EDINBORO, PA (Mar 24) -- Central Washington University basketball standout MARK MCLAUGHLIN becomes the first player in in the schools NCAA Division II era to be named a Daktronics All-American, earning third-team honors.

McLaughlin was up for all-American consideration because he earned a first-team all-West Region nomination earlier this month.

McLaughlin is also the first men's basketball player since 1998 to be named to an all-American team.

"It is a true honor to be named as an all-American." McLaughlin said. "I worked really hard to be the best player I could possibly be, and It feels good to get recognition for my hard work."

As much as this is an individual award, McLaughlin knew he couldn't have done it alone.  "I want to thank Coach Spar and Coach Harris for their support and guidance this season, and if it weren't for my teammates finding me when I was open and keeping me focused when I wasn't playing my best, none of this would be possible."

The 6-6 senior from Kenmore, Wash. Led the Nation in scoring at 27.1 points per game and will represent CWU as he next competes in the NABC Reece's All-Star Game  in Evansville, Indiana.

The teams were voted on by the members of D2SIDA, NCAA Division II Sports Information Directors Association.


2014 DAKTRONICS ALL-AMERICAN TEAM

FIRST TEAM
Vincent Bailey, Lincoln  Memorial  F 6-7 245 Sr. Jennings, Fla.
Cedric Harris, West Liberty    G 6-0 175 Sr. Zanesville, Oh.
Brandon Jefferson, Metro State    G 5-9 175 Sr. Flower Mound, Tex.
Garret Kerr, Univ. of the Sciences   F 6-4 240 Jr. Moorestown, N.J.
Aaron Nelson, Southern Indiana   F 6-8 249 Sr. Chicago Heights, Ill.

RON LENZ PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Brandon Jefferson, Metro State (Colo.)

SECOND TEAM
Kevin Capers, Florida Southern    G 6-2 170 Jr. Winter Haven, Fla.
David Downs, Seattle Pacific   G 6-2 190 Sr. Kirkland, Wash.
Josh Gibbs, Central Oklahoma   F 6-5 235 Sr. Kansas City, Mo.
Greg Kahlig, Findlay    F 6-6 215 Sr. Fort Recovery, Oh.
Zach Monaghan, Minnesota State  G 6-3 180 Jr. Palatine, Ill. 

THIRD TEAM
Mike Carlson, Truman State   F 6-9 200 Sr. Superior, Wisc.
Tim Dezelski, Hillsdale    F 6-6 230 Sr. Northville, Mich.
Greg Langston, Southern Connecticut St. G/F 6-3  Sr. Stratford, Conn.
MARK MCLAUGHLIN, Central Washington  G 6-6 212 R-Sr. Bothell, Wash.
Derrick White, Colo., Univ. at Colorado Springs G 6-5 165 So. Parker, Colo.