Photo by Tyler Lamb / Sports Editor
MTSU’s Reggie Upshaw isn’t done quite yet with his college playing career. In fact, he’s been invited to play at this year’s Final Four. Not with the Blue Raiders, but as a member of the east squad in the 2017 Reese’s College All-Star Game.
Announced Tuesday afternoon by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, Upshaw joins 2o of the most highly touted seniors in Division-1 basketball.
“This one of the highest honors any senior basketball player can have,” head coach Kermit Davis said in press release by MT Athletics. “Reggie is very deserving to be one of the top 20 seniors chosen to participate in this event. It will be a great opportunity for him to represent Middle Tennessee basketball and to showcase himself and his talent.”
On his way to his second consecutive NCAA second-round appearance, Upshaw averaged 14.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. His performance during the regular season was good enough to be selected All-Conference USA Second Team.
During the C-USA Tournament, Upshaw accounted for 18 points and 7.3 boards during the three games. The senior’s blazing 20-of-36 (55%) shooting that weekend earned him All-Tournament honors which eventually lead to him being a recipient of the NABC All-District First Team.
As for his legacy, Upshaw leaves a mark on MT that few will be able to live up to.
Upshaw leaves Murfreesboro as the school’s all-time leader leader in games played (140) and games started (115). He’s also second all-time in minutes played (3,965), third in career steals (151) and blocks (110), fourth in career points (1,571) and rebounds (910), and fifth in career field goals made (598).
With the numerous accolades received over his four-year stretch, fans should expect to see his name hanging from the rafters in the near future.
But with the most recent recognition of the Reese’s College All-Star Game, Upshaw is humbled.
“It means a lot to me to be recognized as one of the top seniors in the country and to be chosen to compete in this game during Final Four weekend,” Upshaw said.
Joining Upshaw on the east team is Belmont star Evan Bradds, a competitor that leaves as the Bruin’s all-time leading scorer with 1,921 career points.
“It’s great to have guys like myself and Evan Bradds representing mid-major schools,” Upshaw said. “I think that says a lot about the amount of hard work we have put in throughout our careers and the level of talent that exists in college basketball outside of just the Power Five programs.”
The 2017 Reese’s College All-Star Game is set for Friday at 5:35 p.m. at the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Final Four. The players will get to stay for Saturday’s semifinal games as well: South Carolina vs. Gonzaga and North Carolina vs. Oregon.
All Final Four festivities, including the all-star game, can be viewed on CBS.
Official rosters
These 10 student-athletes will represent the East in the Reese’s Division I College All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/g0FTIt1aCA
— NABC (@NABC1927) March 28, 2017
The West will be represented by these standout student-athletes in the Reese’s Division I College All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/EE1CyhjL1S
— NABC (@NABC1927) March 28, 2017
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