Red Storm forward Lamont
Hamilton has been named to
the All-Met first team by the
Metropolitan Basketball
Writers’ Association (MBWA).
For the senior, this most
recent honor is just another in a
long list that tells the story of
his steady climb at St. John’s.
But things did not begin so
promisingly. Since being suspended
19 games into his
freshmen year for allegations,
which later proved to be false,
in the now-infamous rape incident
in 2004, Hamilton has
accrued awards and statistics to
secure his place in St. John’s
basketball program for the
right reasons.

“Im glad that the whole situation
is behind me and it has
helped me become a better
man,” said Hamilton to the dailyorange.
com in 2005. “Youve
got to realize that things go on
and move past it.”

After being selected thirdteam
All-Met after his sophomore
season and second-team
All-Met after his junior season,
his ascent continued with a
senior season worthy of a firstteam
All-Big East selection, a
feat that has not been accomplished
by a Johnny since
2003. His team-high 13.4
points per game and 6.5
rebounds this year led his team
to its first appearance in the
Big East Tournament since
2003, the year before the scandal.

More evidence of the fouryear
turnaround of both team
and player comes in the form of
a NABC All-District selection
and two appearances on the Big
East Weekly Honor Roll.

Also being honored by the
MBWA with All-Met distinctions
are mens sophomore forward
Anthony Mason Jr. and
womens senior guard Kia
Wright. Mason, Jr. took second
team honors while Wright,
who announced she would
return for her final season of
eligibility at St. John’s, earned
her second first-team honor in
as many seasons.