March 4, 2005

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State freshman center Callistus Eziukwu (Muskegon, Mich.) was named the 2004-05 GLIAC Freshman of the Year it was announced by the league office Thursday (Mar. 3) night. Eziukwu was also named to the All-GLIAC North Division Team First-Team and the North Division All-Defensive Team.

Eziukwu averaged 13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.07 blocked shots per game and was named GLIAC North Division Player of the Week three times this season. In addition, Eziukwu set GLIAC single-season records for shooting percentage (74.6) and blocked shots (69), while also establishing a single-game mark with 13 blocked shots at Ferris State. His 114 blocked shots on the year tied current Detroit Piston center Ben Wallace for 14th on the all-time NCAA DII single-season list. Callistus recorded nine double-doubles and the Lakers' first-ever triple double with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 13 blocked shots. Eziukwu leading the nation in field goal percentage (73.7), making 157-of-213 shots from the floor.

Grand Valley State (18-10) lost in the first-round of the GLIAC postseason tournament Tuesday night to Michigan Tech (56-48) and awaits a possible bid from the NCAA into the NCAA DII Great Lakes Regional Tournament.