McNeese Cowboys' head coach Bill Armstrong and freshman guard Larry Johnson have been awarded top honors by the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches. Armstrong received the Tommy Joe Eagles Award as Major College Coach of the Year, leading the Cowboys to a 28-6 record and their third consecutive Southland Conference Tournament championship. Johnson earned the Pete Maravich Memorial Award as Major College Player of the Year for a record-breaking freshman season. Both will be honored at the LABC's 52nd Annual Awards Banquet on May 2 in Baton Rouge. This marks the second year McNeese has produced a coach award winner and the third for a player.

By the Numbers
  • McNeese finished with a 28-6 record, tying for the second-most overall wins in Division I history.
  • Larry Johnson scored 592 points, breaking Joe Dumars' 44-year-old record of 527 points for freshmen.
  • The Cowboys tied a school record with 19 conference wins, also the second-most in league history.
State of Play
  • Bill Armstrong achieved the highest final NET ranking (No. 56) in Southland Conference history.
  • McNeese received a nod in the final AP Top 25 for only the second time ever.
What's Next

Both Armstrong and Johnson are expected to continue building on their impressive achievements next season, as the Cowboys look to maintain their competitive edge in upcoming tournaments. Their performances could draw further national attention, positioning McNeese for even greater successes.

Bottom Line

Armstrong's leadership and Johnson's record-setting performance highlight the growing prominence of McNeese basketball. Their achievements not only establish a legacy for current players but also set a higher benchmark for future recruits and the program's trajectory.