Josh Butler
Sports Writer
jobutler@valdosta.edu

Tyrone Curnell has been named to the National Association of Basketball State Farm Division II All-America Team.  The Valdosta State junior forward from Ocoee, Fla. made the list based on his play during the 2008-09 basketball season.
“It was an honor and privilege to be named an All-American especially since this is my first year playing Division II,” Curnell said.
The VSU big man led the Blazers in rebounds with 8.2 per game, and averaged 14.7 points per game.  Curnell feels that winning the regular season GSC title helped motivate the team in the conference championship.  Although Curnell is disappointed about not winning the championship game in the GSC Tourney, he did not want to take anything away from Arkansas Tech.
“They were a good team, and played a really good game that day,” Curnell said.
Curnell and the Blazers are looking to build on the success that they had this past season.
“[VSU] has a great chance of going all the way to the national title game next season,” Curnell said.
Although he wouldn’t go so far as to guarantee a win, he is excited to be back with the team next season.
The junior forward isn’t ruling out a conference title next year, and he is ready for next season.
“[I] want to contribute to Valdosta State, especially since it is Titletown, and I want to keep the titles coming to VSU,” Curnell said.
Curnell is a player who will be remembered at VSU long after he leaves the campus.  Curnell has been named the GSC Player of the Week three times. He was also named to the GSC All-Conference Team. Curnell also received All-Region Honors and now NABSF DII All-American.