Full A-10 Awards List (PDF)

FAIRFAX, Va. – In recognition of his extraordinary growth as a player on both ends of the floor, George Mason University men's basketball redshirt-junior forward AJ Wilson has been named the 2020 Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player.
 
Over the course of the 2019-20 campaign, Wilson has developed from reserve player as a sophomore to one of the most explosive and consistent players in the A-10 as a junior. He's made tremendous gains from year-to-year in nearly every statistical category, including scoring (11.8 ppg vs. 3.7 ppg), rebounding (7.4 rpg vs. 2.6 rpg), blocks (2.9 bpg vs. 1.3), assists (1.0 apg vs. 0.1 apg) and minutes (27.5 mpg vs. 10.8 mpg).
 
Wilson's accolade marks the third time in four seasons a Mason player has earned the league's most improved player award. Mason senior Justin Kier garnered the accolade in 2019, while former Patriot great Marquise Moore received the honor in 2017.
 
"I'm so proud of AJ and happy for him on this well-deserved recognition," head coach Dave Paulsen said. "He came back for spring and summer workouts with an improved sense of focus and urgency, and has maintained that energy and commitment throughout the year. He has shown tremendous growth in his work ethic, focus level and consistency. We had always told AJ, 'It's not a question of if, it's a question of when.' It's so nice to see him rewarded for his perseverance and positive attitude."
 
On the year, Wilson led the A-10 and ranked seventh in the nation in blocks (2.9 bpg). The Laurel, Md., native also ranked in the top-60 nationally in offensive rebounds/game (2.9) and was ninth in the league in overall rebounding (7.4 rpg).
 
Wilson elevated his game on the biggest of stages this season. He paced the Patriots in scoring in road games (12.6 ppg) and averaged an impressive 18.5 points while shooting 50 percent in games against AP top-10 ranked teams.
 
Wilson tallied 10+ points in 19 of 31 games, posted four double-doubles and shot nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc in A-10 play.
 
Mason's all-time single season block leader, Wilson is at 90 blocks and counting in 2019-20. He's tallied 162 for his career, which ranks fourth most in Mason annals.
 
"This award also is fitting recognition for assistant coaches Duane Simpkins, Pete Hutchins and Bryson Johnson, who work tirelessly on player development with AJ and our entire roster," Paulsen said."
 
Wilson earned the Most Improved Player accolade as part of the league's end of year awards, voted on by the A-10's 14 head coaches.
 
Wilson and the Patriots open the 2020 Atlantic 10 Championship on Wednesday at 1 p.m. vs. Saint Joseph's at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.