» 2008-09 D3hoops.com All-America Team

Justin Hallowell (Worthington, Ohio / Thomas Worthington) of The College of Wooster was selected as the D3hoops.com national "Rookie of the Year," the Web site announced, along with the release of its 2008-09 All-America Teams during the NCAA Div. III Tournament "Final Four" this past weekend.

As evidenced by the recognition, Hallowell's impact at the collegiate level was immediate. The 6-7 freshman forward performed as one of the elite 3-point shooters in the nation, making a school-record 94 from behind the arc, or 3.24 per game, and 51.4 percent of his attempts, which ranked him among the top-20 NCAA Div. III leaders in each category. Hallowell also compiled the ninth-best free throw rate in team history (.879; 58-of-66), and his shooting efficiency led to 14.2 points per game.

"I think Justin had just an outstanding first year for us. He was a very big part of our success," commented Steve Moore, head coach of Wooster, the five-time defending North Coast Athletic Conference champions. "It's very unusual for freshmen in college basketball to shoot such a good percentage. I think what Justin accomplished, especially in terms of his 3-point percentage, was very unusual and an excellent accomplishment."

Hallowell, who also averaged 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists, played a pivotal role in several of the Fighting Scots' most memorable games this year. He connected on his first eight 3-point attempts during a key 89-87 win at Hiram College Feb. 4, and a week later, knocked down a long distance 3-pointer at the end of regulation as part of a 30-point outburst in Wooster's 102-92 double-overtime victory over Denison University. Those two games spurred the Scots on to the NCAC regular season championship and then Hallowell garnered MVP honors during the NCAC Tournament, highlighted by a 33-point, eight-rebound effort in the finals.

Moore added, "He improved his overall game as the season went on. He improved his defense. He improved his ability to put the ball on the floor. Justin realizes he has to continue to work on being a more versatile player in the off-season. That will be his goal."

As a team, Wooster overcame inexperience, injuries, and a 1-3 start to the year, bouncing back for a 23-7 record to extend its NCAA Div. III-leading active streak of 20-win seasons to 13. By winning the NCAC Tournament, the Scots were awarded a spot in the NCAA Div. III Tournament field and won a first-round game, 79-66 over Gettysburg College, before being knocked out by Capital University on a buzzer beater in the second round, 72-70.