The Nevada Sagebrush

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Babbitt receives nomination

Nevada forward Luke Babbitt has been named to the preseason watch list for the Naismith Trophy. The award will go to the men’s college player of the year.

Of the 50 nominees, 19 are seniors, 14 are juniors, 12 are sophomores and five are freshmen.

Last season, Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin won the award.

As a freshman, Babbitt led the Wolf Pack in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.9 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Babbitt was also second among all freshmen in the nation in scoring last season.

The men’s team begins its season on Nov. 10 when it hosts an exhibition game against Chico State. Tickets for the game will be available for $5.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Coach Carter to hold fan event

Men’s basketball head coach David Carter will hold a pep rally in preparation for the upcoming season from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Virginia Street Gym.

Fans are invited to watch the second half of the men’s team practice and will have the opportunity to meet and speak with coach Carter and student athletes upon the completion of practice.

Carter wants to meet the members of the Blue Crew and will talk to students about the upcoming season.

Fans will be able to sign up for the Blue Crew, receive the official Blue Crew shirt and learn new and traditional cheers.

Last season, the Wolf Pack finished with a record of 21-13 and reached the Western Athletic Conference Championship game before losing to Utah State 72-62.

Nevada kicks off its 2009-10 season on Nov. 10 when it hosts Chico State for an exhibition game.  The Wolf Pack begins its regular season Nov. 14 against Montana State. Tickets are available at Lawlor Events Center or at the Link Piazzo Ticket Office.

FOOTBALL

Burleson has solid game for Seattle

Former Nevada wide receiver Nate Burleson was the Seattle Seahawks’ top receiver on Sunday as the Seahawks fell to the Dallas Cowboys 38-17.

Burleson had six catches for 89 yards, but ended the game without a touchdown.

For the season, Burleson has 38 catches for 487 yards and three touchdowns. He leads the team in all three categories. His 12.8 yards per catch rank second on the team.

Burleson played for the Wolf Pack from 2000-03 where he was one of the most prolific receivers in school history. He had 248 receptions for 3,293 yards in his career at Nevada.

Burleson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2003 National Football League Draft before being traded to Seattle.

Burleson is one of four former Nevada players on NFL rosters this season.

The other players are wide receiver Marko Mitchell (Washington Redskins), offensive lineman Harvey Dahl (Atlanta Falcons) and offensive lineman Tony Mall (Baltimore Ravens).

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Sessions plays for Timberwolves

Former Nevada guard Ramon Sessions made his regular season debut for the Minnesota Timberwolves against the New Jersey Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Against the Nets, Sessions played just over 18 minutes and recorded five points, four rebounds and two steals as the Timberwolves defeated the Nets 93-95.

Against Cleveland, Sessions played 21 minutes as the Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 104-87.

Sessions scored four points and had seven rebounds and two assists in the loss.

Sessions played for Nevada from 2004-07. He scored 850 career points as a member of the Wolf Pack and earned second-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors after his junior season.

Sessions was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2007 NBA Draft and played two seasons there before signing with the Timberwolves.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at leggen@nevadasagebrush.com.

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• Babbitt picked in first round
• Briefs
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• Keep faith in young Pack
• New team on the block