Ryan Algier named to preseason All-American team
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Ryan Algier is ready for a big senior season for the Rochester Yellowjackets after being named to the preseason All-American team by several publications before the start of the year.
Basketball is not the only thing that Algier is good at. He was also named to the University Athletic Association Presidents’ Scholar-Athlete Team for players who achieved over a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and excelled in their sport. These are two very high honors for the senior who is anticipating a big year from himself and the Yellowjackets.
Growing up, Algier was always tall and skinny which made him a natural at basketball and volleyball. He also excelled in the classroom as well being a member of the French Society club in addition to being on the math team in high school. He then went on to get a basketball scholarship to play for the Rochester Yellowjackets where he has been their best player for the last couple of years and is in line to do that again this season.
Last season, in his junior year at Rochester, he averaged a team best 14.8 points per game and led his team in rebounds and blocks per game. These numbers were good enough to get him a third team All-American selection and first team All Association in the UAA. This season also included one game where Ryan scored 33 points that helped the Yellowjackets to a season with 16 wins and just nine losses after their season began again late after the hiatus.
Algier missed his team鈥檚 camaraderie most during that time off but was also thankful to be back doing what he loves.
鈥淭o be able to play this year is rewarding in its own way,鈥� Algier .
The Rochester Yellowjackets will look to be competitive again this year in the UAA conference after a strong showing last season. Algier is ready to lead them and the head coach, Brian LaPlante, is confident in this group to get it.
“I enjoy being around this group and they are hard workers and seem to be good people,鈥� LaPlante . 鈥淲e must establish roles and consistent work ethic and a desire to play with each other on both ends of the floor. I do expect us to improve and be in the mix for a division or region championship at the end of the year.”
The initial goal for the Yellowjackets will be to win their conference and then move on to winning the playoffs to go as far as they can. Next steps for Algier after accomplishing all of his goals on the court this year is to complete his education and also try to keep playing basketball well after his college career ends. That could be professionally if the opportunity presents itself or just recreationally as a fun way to keep in shape.
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