Senior guard Jose Juan Barea continues to be honored for his play as a Husky, earning Mid-Major Player of the Year honors from www.collegeinsider.com along with being named 2006 Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year. The recognitions were given to the Northeastern Player of the Week while he was vacationing at home in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Barea scored 17 points and had five assists in a semifinal loss to eventual CAA champions UNC-Wilmington, his last game in a Husky uniform. Barea finished his collegiate career averaging 20.3 points per game and collecting 721 assists
The offseason came too soon for Northeastern’s second all-time leading scorer, who felt an invitation to the NIT was deserved after winning five straight to close the regular season and going deep in the CAA tournament.
“I thought we deserved [an invite] we had a good season in a good conference,” Barea said.
Along with his play for Northeastern, Barea has been a constant for the Puerto Rican National Team for the past four years.
“I think I accomplished all I would,” Barea said. “The only thing that is missing is going to the NCAA tournament. Now I’m going to stay in shape, keep practicing and go to Puerto Rico and play.
– Compiled by staff writer Matt Foster.
