On a day when Ohio State saw E.J. Liddell named first-team All-Big Ten and Malaki Branham named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, the Buckeyes had one more award handed out. Senior Justin Ahrens was awarded the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Ahrens was recognized for his sportsmanship and ethical behavior on the court, as well as good academic standing and good citizenship off the court.
The Ohio State forward was named a captain for this, his senior season. He started 18 games for Chris Holtmann’s squad and averaged 5.3 points per game to go along with 2.5 rebounds in 29 games played in the regular season.
Ahrens came into the season regarded as the Buckeye’s best three-point shooter. However, the Versailles, Ohio, native has struggled to find his stroke this season, shooting only 36.3% from behind the arc. Even with trouble finding his groove, Ahrens kept his composure throughout the season and continued to be an example for his teammates and the rest of the conference.
Other’s earning the All-Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honors were Illinois’ Jacob Grandison, Indiana’s Race Thompson, Iowa’s Patrick McCaffery, Maryland’s Simon Wright, Michigan’s Eli Brooks, Michigan State’s Max Christie, Minnesota’s Eric Curry, Nebraska’s Derrick Walker, Northwestern’s Ryan Greer, Penn State’s John Harrar, Purdue’s Sasha Stefanovic, Rutgers’ Clifford Omoruyi and Wisconsin’s Jordan Davis.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
