March 5, 2009

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - University of Dayton sophomore Chris Wright has been named First Team All-District by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, it was announced today. Wright was joined on the NABC District 4 First Team by Temple's Dionte Christmas, Saint Joseph's Ahmad Nivins, Xavier's Derrick Brown and Duquesne's Aaron Jackson.

Wright leads the Flyers in scoring (13.3), rebounding (6.7), field goals made (138), offensive rebounds (78), defensive rebounds (115), blocks (35), free throw attempts (148) and double-doubles (5).

The 6-8 forward from Trotwood-Madison High School is the 11th UD player to be named First Team NABC All-District, and the first sophomore. Previous first-team selections were Brian Roberts (2008), Tony Stanley (2001), Roosevelt Chapman (1984), Jim Paxson (1979), Don May (1967 & 1968), Henry Finkel (1966), Bill Uhl (1955), Jack Sallee (1954 & 1955), John Horan (1955) and Don Meineke (1952).

A Second Team Preseason All-Atlantic 10 selection, Wright was the MVP of the Chicago Invitational Challenge after producing three double-doubles in the four-game event. Wright had 13 points and 13 rebounds in the championship game win over then-No. 15 Marquette.

He was also the Blackburn/McCafferty Most Valuable Player in the first meeting between Dayton and Xavier on February 11 at UD Arena. Wright led Dayton to its 71-58 win with 17 points and 10 rebounds against the then-No.14 Musketeers.

Wright is one of 27 sophomores and freshmen named to a district first team, and the only one in District 4.

The Flyers are 37-7 overall, 27-0 at home and 5-0 against ranked opponents with Wright in the lineup during his UD career.

Dayton is 24-5 and 10-4 in the Atlantic 10 heading into tonight's game at Xavier. UD is third in the A-10, one game behind Xavier and a half-game behind Rhode Island. Dayton is at home to face Duquesne on Senior Day on Saturday, March 7.

Selected and voted on by member coaches of the NABC, the members of the 24 district teams are now eligible for the State Farm Division I All-America teams to be announced on Saturday, April 4 at the 2008 NABC Convention at the Final Four in Detroit.