Review of Pacific Islanders in college basketball

- December 18, 2004

POSTED BY: Eurobasket Center

Vili Morton

With much of the preseason gone and several teams already starting their conference games, we are starting to get a clearer idea of who is performing, who have improved dramatically, who failed to take opportunities

Top Pacific Islander Performer (Men’s): Vili Morton (203-F)

Vili is in his senior year and is leading UC Riverside. Vili is leading the team in rebounding (9.5) and blocks (1.0) while he is second in scoring with 15.0ppg with a 56.7 percent from the field goal. His performances are so good he is ranked 1^st in rebounding, 3^rd in scoring and 4^th in blocks in the Big West Conference. .His rebounding numbers are so god he ranks among the top 20 in rebounding in NCAA Division I

Top Pacific Islander Performer (Women’s): Alofa Toiavao

Alofa has averages of 10.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steals in 23.8 minutes per games as a reserve. Her performances are in line with those of Samoan National team players April Atuaia (whom Alofa is related to) and Hedy Liu, who were former UH players The 6’3” centre is leading the team in rebounds and blocks, and is third on scoring. Her performances don’t go unnoticed in her conference as ranks in the top 20 in scoring (19^th), rebound (9^th) and blocks (2^nd). Alofa is so good in blocking shots she is ranked equal 13^th in NCAA Division I.

Most improved player (Men’s): Tika Wesley (198-F)

There are many Pacific Islanders that have made a significant improvement this season. Chris Bartley has cracked the starting line-up for Mount Olive College and performing well, Gabe Lombard (178-G) has entered the starting line up for Abiline. However the standout would be