March 11, 2010

Complete V Foundation Press Release (PDF)

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University redshirt-senior men's basketball standout Dana Smith/Woodbridge (C.D. Hylton) has been named as one of nine finalists nationwide for the prestigious V Foundation Comeback Award for 2010. Smith is a finalist for the second-straight year as he was one of 12 finalists for 2009. The V Foundation for Cancer Research announced the finalists today for the 10th annual award to be presented in conjunction with ESPN as the recipient will be announced March 30 during ESPN's basketball coverage. He has overcome three serious knee injuries in four years (12.5.07 - left ACL; 11.15.06 - right - two menisci; 11.17.03 / high school - right ACL), while remaining healthy his final two seasons, including averages of 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds this year to lead the Lancers who finished 12-19 for their second-best record as a Division I program following last year's winning mark of 17-14.

“It is certainly an honor for Dana, and Longwood Basketball, to have him be considered for such a distinguished award,” said seventh-year head coach Mike Gillian. “In the face of serious physical adversity, he has achieved a very high level of performance both on and off the court, and has done it the right way.”

A sixth-year team member, Smith received medical hardship waivers from the NCAA following both the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. He started 93 of 135 career games, including all 31 games this year while averaging 31.8 minutes, 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Smith shot 47.8% (195-408) from the field, 34.0% (33-97) on three-point field goals, and 66.4% (142-214) at the free throw line while adding 30 steals and 16 blocks. He posted career-highs of 27 points, seven assists, and four three-point field goals this year, adding season-highs of 13 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Smith had 29 double-figure scoring games, including 28-straight to end his season/career, and had twelve 20-point games, ten 10-rebound games, and 10 double-doubles. He led the Lancers in scoring 21 times, in rebounding 13 times, and had four 40-minute games among nine 35-plus minute games. Smith was named to the South Padre Island Invitational All-Tournament Team in November, and ranks 62nd nationally in Division I scoring while only the second player in program history with 1,500 career points (1,540, fourth all-time) and 700 career rebounds (708, second). Dana earned a bachelor of science degree in sociology in May 2008, and will earn his second undergraduate degree in business management this May.

Smith's other post-season honors this year include being name to the All-Independent 1st-Team as well as the CollegeInsider.com's Independents Most Valuable Player.

The other finalists are: D'Andre Bell, Georgia Tech; Dallas Blocker, Youngstown State; Brianna Culberson, Denver; Kelvin Davis, San Diego State; Kelsey Griffin, Nebraska; Sanchez Hughley, Florida Atlantic; Thomas Kleinschnitz, Franciscan University of Steubenville; and Kristen Lucci, Waynesburg.

The annual award is presented in memory of Jim Valvano, the late basketball coach and ESPN commentator, whose own personal battle with cancer inspired the creation of The V Foundation. In his memorable speech at ESPN's inaugural ESPY Awards announcing the creation of The V Foundation, Valvano's “Don't Give Up. . .Don't Ever Give Up!”® motto created a legacy from which the Comeback Award was created.