Bucknell University Athletics
Former Bison Hoops Star Shines at VCU SportsCenter Showcase
5/23/2003 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
May 23, 2003
LEWISBURG, Pa. - After starring on the Davis Gym and Sojka Pavilion floors at Bucknell over the last four years, Boakai Lalugba took his skills to the VCU SportsCenter Invitational Showcase last weekend in Richmond, Va., and Lalugba walked off with Most Valuable Player honors after scoring 69 points in four games and leading his team to an undefeated record.
A two-time first-team All-Patriot League selection and one of the leading scorers and rebounders in school and conference history, Lalugba went through graduation ceremonies at Bucknell on Sunday morning, drove to Richmond in the afternoon, and Sunday night came off the bench to post 12 points and seven rebounds in his Circuit City team's 101-87 victory.
Lalugba's signature performance came on Monday morning, when he made 12 of 15 shots from the field and logged 27 points, seven rebounds, two steals, two blocks and two assists in a 111-105 overtime win over Costen Floors. Later that evening he made 9 of 11 field-goal attempts in an 18-point showing. In Circuit City's final contest, Lalugba had 12 points and eight rebounds in his team's four-point victory.
All told, in four games - all victories - Lalugba averaged 17.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals. He shot a sizzling 31-for-43 (.721) from the field.
Nearly 75 players who had completed their college eligibility participated in the Showcase, with numerous, NBA, NBDL and European scouts in attendance. Schools from all divisions were represented, including many prominent names from institutions such as Texas Tech, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Richmond and Colorado.
