Lithuanian Gilvydas Biruta ('91), from Rutgers (NCAA), has been named in the Big East Conference All-Rookie Team. According to the team's website among true freshmen in the Big East this season, Biruta ranks first in rebounding (5.4), first in field goal percentage (.531), first in free throw percentage (.736) and sixth in scoring (9.5). “I would like to thank the Big East coaches for voting for me,” said Biruta. “I could not have earned this award without the help of my coaches and teammates. I have learned so much this season. I just want to keep working hard so that our team is successful.”

 

“I’m very excited about this award for Gilvydas,” added Rutgers head coach Mike Rice. “He has put forth so much hard work, both on and off the floor, this season and it is great to see him get rewarded.” Biruta capped the regular season by earning the league’s final Rookie of the Week award. He averaged 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 1-1 week on the road, shooting 66.7 percent (14-21) from the field. Biruta shot 9-of-13 to score a team and career-high 21 points Saturday night at Providence after making five-of-eight field goals to post 10 points with 7 rebounds in 68-64 win at DePaul Wednesday night. Biruta has competed in all 30 games (29 starts) and ranks second on the team in scoring (9.5), rebounding, field goal percentage and free throw percentage. He has scored in double figures 17 times and registered a pair of double-doubles. The St. Benedict’s Preparatory (N.J.) product also has a team-best 18 slam dunks.

 

He was joined on the six-player team by Cleveland Melvin and Brandon Young of DePaul, Jeremy Lamb and Shabazz Napier of Connecticut, and Sean Kilpatrick of Cincinnati. Biruta is the 12th Scarlet Knight to be named to the Big East All-Rookie Team since Rutgers joined the conference in 1995-96. Current RU wing Dane Miller (Rochester, N.Y.) was selected last season. RU has had a player named to the league’s all-rookie team in four consecutive seasons. 

 

Photo: Tom Ciszek / NJSportsPhoto