VANCOUVER – Fifth-year UBC Thunderbird forward Conor Morgan has won a second consecutive Canada West Player of the Year award while first-year forward Grant Shephard has earned Rookie of the Year honours.
 
Morgan was named as the conference's top player Thursday, as the Canada West unveiled its 2017-18 basketball major award winners. He becomes the first back-to-back winner of the award since Saskatchewan's Jamelle Barrett (2010-11 and 2011-12).
 
The Victoria, B.C. product finished third in points this season, averaging 23.9 (just 0.2 back of CW leader Justus Alleyn from Manitoba), while also posting 9.7 rebounds per game – second best in CW.
 
The three-time conference all-star finished his career as one of the top players in Thunderbirds history, posting 1,526 points – the third most in program history behind only Casey Archibald (1,668) and J.D. Jackson (2,045). His 486 defensive rebounds are the most in UBC history and tied for 15^th in the CW record book.


 
Morgan wraps up his five-year career as the third T-Bird to win the award in back-to-back seasons, joining J.D. Jackson (1990-91 and 1991-92), and Casey Archibald (2005-06 and 2006-07) – who are No. 1 and 2 respectively on the UBC all-time scoring list.
 
Longtime Thunderbirds head coach Kevin Hanson is pleased with Morgan being recognized for his complete game and the huge impact he's had on the program.
 
"This is a great honour for Conor and a testament to the dedication and effort that he has put in this year," said Hanson. His unique athleticism makes him a special player and it's great to see him being recognized for having an outstanding season. In addition, as a fifth-year player and a team leader his work ethic, example and mentorship has been a huge benefit throughout our line up."
 
Along with Morgan, UBC's Grant Shephard was also honoured, as the Kelowna, B.C. product was named the CW Rookie of the Year. The much sought-after recruit who formed a special bond in looking up to Morgan as a mentor suited up in all 20 games for the T-Birds during their 17-3 regular season.


 
The 6-10 forward, who played his grade 12 season at Montverde Academy in Florida, averaged 8.8 PPG and 4.4 RPG. He will be looked at to help fill the void being left by Morgan as the next crop of UBC hoopsters aim to carry on the program's long tradition of success. Shephard enjoyed quite the 2017-18 season away from UBC as well, competing for the Canadian team which captured the FIBA U19 World Cup in July.
 
"Grant has had a tremendous season," said Hanson who has been impressed with Shephard's impact in his first U SPORTS campaign. "We are very proud of his development and his growth as a player. It is great to see him be recognized for his accomplishments in his first year."
 
Also earning conference major awards were Calgary guard Jhony Verrone (Defensive Player of the Year), Alberta Golden Bear forward Brody Clarke (Ken Shields Award for basketball, academics and community service), and Bears coach Barnaby Craddock (Coach of the Year).
 
All award winners now move forward as the CW nominees for the national awards, which will be handed out at the U SPORTS Final 8 in Halifax (March 8-11).