Fitzgerald is the first Patriot in six years to be named to the First Team All-American since Ivan Johnson made First Team honors during the 2002-2003 season. For Luke, this is his second All-American honor. Last year, he was named to the NAIA's All-American Team as a Third Teamer. Being a two time All-American gives Luke the elite honor of being one out of only four players in Cumberlands history to ever be a two time NAIA All-American. 

After hearing the news Fitzgerald said, "It is a real honor and privilege to be on the first team. I would just like to thank my teammates and coaches because without them none of this would be possible."  

Fitzgerald averaged 17.2 points per game which ranked him number four in the Mid-South Conference and #41 in NAIA Division I. Also, Luke pulled down 7.9 rebounds per game earning him second in the Mid-South Conference and 31st in NAIA. Fitzgerald ranked number two in the Mid-South Conference and sixth in the NAIA for field goal percentage. He shot 60.4% (201-333) from the field this season.

This season has been a season of accolades for the Cleveland native. Earlier in the year, Luke surpassed the 1,000 points mark for a career and claimed over 500 rebounds for a career. The big man also won the Mid-South Conference (MSC) Player of the Week four times this season and was also named the NAIA Player of the Week once. To top of his achievements, the MSC recognized Fitzgerald as the Player of the Year.

For his career Fitzgerald scored 1,498 points which ranks him number ten on the all-time career scoring list at Cumberlands. He also pulled down 777 rebounds for his career. Not bad for a guy who only played two years of high school basketball.    

Head Patriot Men's Basketball Coach Don Butcher is proud of Fitzgerald's achievements. "Luke really deserves this award," Butcher said. "He was the best player in the league and I'm proud of him because in his freshmen and sophomore years, he played in spurts. Most kids would said forget this, but Luke stayed the course and worked hard every day to get better and it paid off." 

Luke Fitzgerald will graduate in May 2009 with a degree in Fitness and Sports Management. After he graduates, Luke plans to pursue a career in professional basketball. "I'm hopeful that a team overseas will give me an opportunity," Fitzgerald said. "It's a good possibility that I will get to play in Australia or Germany next season, I will just have to wait and see." No matter what happens at the next level, Fitzgerald leaves the University of the Cumberlands as one of the most accomplished players to ever wear the Patriots uniform.  

The University of the Cumberlands men's basketball team wrapped up their season at the NAIA National Tournament in the Sweet 16 finishing with a 27-7 overall record, a 9-3 Mid-South Conference record, and a Mid-South Conference Tournament Championship. 

Article Provided by Steffan Crowe, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Student Assistant