Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined community leaders and athletic directors from universities across the nation at the Amway Center to honor post-season awardees of the Men\u2019s Basketball American Athletic Conference (AAC) 2016 American Men’s Basketball Championship.<\/p>\n
Texas-based Southern Methodist University senior Nic Moore was named the AAC Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. University of Memphis freshman Dedric Lawson took home American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year honor while University of Tulsa senior Shaquille Harrison won Scholar Athlete of the Year. Pennsylvania-based Temple University head coach Fran Dunphy received Coach of the Year accolades for the second straight season. The awards were determined through votes by the league\u2019s 11 head coaches.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of Orange County, congratulations to all of these star student athletes and coaches,\u201d Mayor Jacobs said at the awards ceremony. \u201cThis is a perfect example of the type of event we want to host. Together with our entire host committee and local partners, we are ready for a fantastic season of basketball in Orange County.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2016 American Men’s Basketball Championship was held March 10 – 13 at the Amway Center where the University of Central Florida\u2019s Men\u2019s Basketball played in the first round against Tulane. The four-day event is expected to generate approximately 5,000 room nights and more than $5 million of economic impact in Orange County.<\/p>\n
Mayor Jacobs co-chaired the Local Organizing Committee for the event with City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to help raise awareness and garner enthusiasm to help fill the arena by promoting the championship event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Amway Center, in additional to our other community venues, plays a vital role in driving economic development to our region,\u201d Mayor Jacobs said.<\/p>\n
By hosting marquee sports events such as the American Athletic Conference Men\u2019s Basketball Championship at the Amway Center, Orange County has the opportunity to again showcase the region\u2019s arts, sports and family entertainment venues. The Amway Center also hosted previous signature basketball events, including the 2014 NCAA Men\u2019s Basketball Championships and the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.<\/p>\n