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Herald-Sun Feature Story in PDF Format
Ayala is one of three returning starters for the Eagles in 2008-09. In just three seasons, Ayala currently ranks fourth on the school's career assists list with 295, and fourth on the school's career steals list with 150. As a Junior (2007-08): Voted to the 2007-08 Division I Men's Basketball All-Independent Team, as voted upon by Division I independent head coaches and sports information directors. One of two Eagles to start all 30 games, averaging the second-most minutes per game (31.3 mpg) on the squad. Topped team in assists (119), three-point field goals made (45) and free throws made (102). Second on the squad in scoring with 391 points (13.0 ppg). Season highlights include 26 points and 3 steals at Creighton (Dec. 20); 23 points and four assists at Univ. of Florida (Nov. 14); 26 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals at Norfolk State (Jan. 7); 18 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals at Duke (Nov. 19); 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists at Western Carolina (Dec. 5); 21 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds at Coppin State (Jan. 30); and 19 points and 3 rebounds at Rutgers (Nov. 12). Grabbed a career-high tying 8 rebounds versus Winston-Salem State (March 15). Distributed a season-best 9 assists against Chowan (Feb. 16). As a Sophomore (2006-07): Averaged a team-high 31.1 minutes per contest in 26 games played, including 23 as a starter. Averaged 9.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Led team in scoring in five games, including a career-high 33 points in a season-opening 95-82 victory over Columbus State University (Nov. 17, 2006). Distributed a career-best 10 assists versus Saint Augustine's College (Jan. 13, 2007). Ranked fifth in the conference (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) in assists with 117. Ranked third in the CIAA in steals with 57. Connected on a running jump shot as time expired to give the Eagles a 67-65 win over the eventual NCAA Division II national champions, Barton College (Nov. 18, 2006). Voted as the CIAA Player of the Week and the BC Powder Classic Most Valuable Player (Nov. 17-18, 2006). As a Freshman (2005-06): Played in 28 games, including 18 as a starter, averaging 22.4 minutes per contest. Started the last 14 games of the season. Topped team with 43 steals and finished 14th in the conference in steals per game (1.54). Ranked second on the squad with 59 assists. Placed third on the team in free throw shooting (71.4 percent). Selected CIAA Rookie of the Week (Feb. 25) after amassing season-highs of 17 points, five assists and two blocked shots, to go along with six rebounds and a steal against Johnson C. Smith (Feb. 25). Scored in double figures for five consecutive games from Feb. 2-14. High School (Granby H.S.): Voted First Team All-District, First Team All-Tidewater, Second Team All-Region and Honorable Mention All-State. Averaged 19.6 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists per game as a senior. Averaged 21 points per game during the playoffs, helping team win Eastern District Championship. Honors graduate. Personal: Born January 20, 1987, in Philadelphia, Pa. Mother is Susan Ayala. Major at NCCU is Criminal Justice. Received the 2007 NCCU Men's Basketball Academic Award as the student-athlete with the highest grade point average. Dean's List student at NCCU. |
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