April 10, 2008

WASHINGTON - American University guard Derrick Mercer has been named the Patriot League Most Valuable Player by CollegeInsider.com, website officials announced today. Mercer helped guide AU to this year's Patriot League Championship and the program's first appearance in the NCAA Div. I Tournament. AU won the PL's regular season title with a 10-4 conference record and finished the season with a 21-12 record.

This season Mercer started 32 of 33 games for the Eagles, leading the team in minutes played at 37.9 per game. A three year starter, Mercer set new career-highs in points per game (12.4), field goals (137), three-point field goals (36), free throws (98) and rebounds (107). Mercer finished third in the PL conference in assists (4.03), fourth in three-point percentage (.434), fourth in assist to turnover ratio (1.37) and 10th in field goal percentage (.418).

CollegeInsider.com recognizes excellence in each conference annually through Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year awards. To view a complete list of CollegeInsider.com's conference awards, click here.