March 14, 2001

Stony Brook, NY -- - Nick Macarchuk's second season as the Stony Brook men's basketball coach was sensational. A 17-win season that followed a six-win campaign just a year ago. For his efforts, Macarchuk was selected as the Independent Conference Coach of the Year as voted on by the coaches and sports information directors of the six schools involved (Albany, Belmont, Centenary, Texas Pan-American, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Stony Brook).

Macarchuk led the Seawolves to an impressive 13-1 home record, including a win over highly-regarded Navy. Following a 9-9 start, Macarchuk guided the Pack to seven straight wins and victories in eight of the team's final 10 games. The team's 17-11 mark was the best since the 1991-92 Seawolves posted a 17-10 record 10 years ago.

Senior center Leon Brisport (Brooklyn, NY) was selected to the All-Independent Conference First Team. Brisport - a transfer from Providence College - led the team in scoring and rebounding with 16.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Brisport notched 13 double-doubles on the season and became the first player to score 30 or more points in a game twice since Emeka Smith did it in 1991-92.

The Seawolves finished their second season as a Division I independent with a 17-11 record. They will join the America East next season.