UTEP Basketball: 2016-17 Season Awards

Looking back at the 2016-17 season, it's time to hand out some team awards.

Check it out, agree or disagree?

Team MVP

Co-MVP's: Dominic Artis, Omega Harris

Two of UTEP's major and most consistent producers share the honors of team MVP.

Their ridiculous early season production was clouded by the Miners horrible start, but both put up some very good numbers throughout the season.

Harris' nine 20-point scoring games were the most since Randy Culpepper, and he also shot 37 percent from 3-point land.

Artis posted over 500 points, 187 assists, 207 rebounds, and 60 steals forming one of the top backcourts across C-USA during conference play. He also flirted with a few triple-doubles along the way.

Defensive player of the year: Dominic Artis

Artis should have been on the C-USA all-defensive team after shutting down multiple leading scorers during conference play.

His ability to create steals which led to open floor chances was a major key in UTEP's turnaround. Artis ranked second in total steals in C-USA, and he ranked 191^stnationally in KenPom's steal percentage.

Honorable mention: Jake Flaggert

Most improved player: Paul Thomas

Thomas ended the season as UTEP's official leading rebounder posting 10 boards or more in eight games. He started the season with 19 points, and 11 rebounds and scored in double figures in four out of the last five games.

Confidence was a big key for Thomas along with the will to rebound, and make a difference on the glass. His ceiling appears to be very high after a strong sophomore season as he has locked in the power forward spot for the next two years.

Assistant coach of the year: Bobby Braswell

The point zone pretty much saved UTEP's season from becoming one of the worst in school history thanks to Coach Braswell.

He also secured an important commitment then signature from Roderick Williams who appears to be the recruit who will make the most impact this coming season.

Kudos to Tim Floyd for trusting his experienced assistants in an effort to turn things around when the Miners were sitting at 2-13.

Honorable mention: Kris Baumann (recruiting workhorse on the road)

Freshman of the year: Kelvin Jones

He had the most offensive boards on the team, and was second on the team in blocks during conference play. He did both in limited, reserve style minutes.

His energy and effort were also big keys that sparked winning stretches.

Offensively, his game certainly is far from polished, but the effort and heart will help that improve over the next couple of seasons.

Honorable mention: Deon Barrett vs. New Mexico

Sixth man of the year: Kelvin Jones

Late in the season against FAU on the road, both Matt Willms and Paul Thomas were in foul trouble but Jones came in and scored 10 points, and four rebounds in just 15 minutes. For me, that sealed up this award.

UTEP did not have the depth to warrant a sure fire sixth man with sexy per game averages, but the toughness and energy Jones brought off the bench were key in some games.

Honorable mention: Trey Touchet

The Roy Smallwood Comeback Player of the Year: Matt Willms

It took him a few months to get back to full health once the season started, but as soon as he was able to practice normally, Willms' production took off.

Very few draw double teams in C-USA, and Willms was a major attention getter on scouting reports across the league.

Willms has battled multiple injuries throughout his career, showing the character needed to overcome those obstacles to produce a strong junior year.

Dunk of the year: Paul Thomas' one-hand slam vs. Charlotte

Due to C-USA's horrible TV deal, I could not find a video, but trust me it was legit.

Thomas took off from top of the key, came down the lane, rose up and BAMMED with the right hand. Thomas said he had been waiting all year a chance, and took full advantage of a wide open lane.

Honorable mention: Artis' dunks over NMSU's Jemerrio Jones

Most complete win: @ Marshall, January 28^th

UTEP just fell to WKU at the buzzer on Thursday, although turned around and put in on Marshall a day later.

Marshall ended up making it to the C-USA Championship game, but the Miners pushed around the Herd scoring 91 points, and holding them to just 68 points.

Honorable mention: Both wins against Rice

Best uniform combo: Los Mineros jerseys

It's hard to vote against the Texas Western jerseys, but the Miners beat Middle Tennessee and won five straight at one point in the orange Minero threads.

UTEP's uniforms were greatly improved with the return of the blue set. But nothing compared to the cursive Mineros in all orange.

Play of the year: Dominic Artis buzzer beater vs. FIU

It sparked the turnaround, and everyone loves a buzzer beater right?