Boston, Mass. -  Suffolk University Men's Basketball freshman Matt Pepdjonovic (Quincy, Mass.) was named Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Rookie of the Year. Pepdjonovic was also a third-team All-Conference selection by the league's coaches.

Pepdjonovic was named GNAC Rookie of the Week five times during the season, and was also named to the Conference's Weekly Honor Roll. The 6'6 center provided a dominant force in the paint for the Rams starting all 25 games and leading his team in points, averaging 13.0 points per game and was one of the leading rebounders in the nation. His 11.6 rebounds per game is currently ranked ninth among all NCAA Division-III players in the nation, and was second in the league.

Pepdjonovic finished the season posting 12 double-doubles on the year. He was named to the New England College All-Tournament team in the season's opening weekend as he led the Rams' to their first tournament title averaging 20 points and 10.5 boards in the two games games.

"We are very excited for Matt, who deservedly earned this recognition by his play and hard work throughout the season. From day one Matt has been one of our team's most consistent workers, constantly trying to improve his game on the court during practice and in the weight room. Each game we felt like he had the ability to do something special on the court and make an impact. We are very excited to see what type of player this young man can develop into in his years to come," said Rams Head Coach Adam Nelson.

Pepdjonovic was ranked in most statistical categories throughout the league: 17th in scoring (13.0 ppg), 2nd in rebound (11.6 rpg), 14th in field-goal percentage (68.5%), 7th in blocked shots (1.3 bpg), 2nd in both offensive rebounds (4.0 pg) and defensive rebounding (7.6 pg).

Junior Allan Ray (Lynn, Mass.) also earned recognition by the GNAC being named to the All-Sportsmanship team. Ray has served as a team captain the previous two seasons. Ray appeared in all 25 games this season for the Rams averaging 6.4 points per game 4.1 rebounds per game. One Suffolk's most visible student-athletes on and off campus, Allan has also participated in the Skills and Drills Clinic hosted by the Suffolk University Men's Basketball team in his three seasons with the team.