Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs Welcomes 2016 American Men’s Basketball Championship

Community & Services

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined community leaders and athletic directors from universities across the nation at the Amway Center to honor post-season awardees of the Men’s Basketball American Athletic Conference (AAC) 2016 American Men’s Basketball Championship.

Texas-based Southern Methodist University senior Nic Moore was named the AAC Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. University of Memphis freshman Dedric Lawson took home American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year honor while University of Tulsa senior Shaquille Harrison won Scholar Athlete of the Year. Pennsylvania-based Temple University head coach Fran Dunphy received Coach of the Year accolades for the second straight season. The awards were determined through votes by the league’s 11 head coaches.

“On behalf of Orange County, congratulations to all of these star student athletes and coaches,” Mayor Jacobs said at the awards ceremony. “This is a perfect example of the type of event we want to host. Together with our entire host committee and local partners, we are ready for a fantastic season of basketball in Orange County.”

The 2016 American Men’s Basketball Championship was held March 10 – 13 at the Amway Center where the University of Central Florida’s Men’s Basketball played in the first round against Tulane. The four-day event is expected to generate approximately 5,000 room nights and more than $5 million of economic impact in Orange County.

Mayor Jacobs co-chaired the Local Organizing Committee for the event with City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to help raise awareness and garner enthusiasm to help fill the arena by promoting the championship event.

“The Amway Center, in additional to our other community venues, plays a vital role in driving economic development to our region,” Mayor Jacobs said.

By hosting marquee sports events such as the American Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Championship at the Amway Center, Orange County has the opportunity to again showcase the region’s arts, sports and family entertainment venues. The Amway Center also hosted previous signature basketball events, including the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships and the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.

To view photos of the awards ceremony and press conference, visit Flickr.

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