Keene State star Octavio Brito was named the NABC Division 3 National Player of the Year on Thursday, becoming the first player in the program’s D3 history to win the award. Brito (Lincoln, R.I.) finished his decorated career by averaging 22.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for the Owls this season, leading them to...
Keene State star Octavio Brito was named the NABC Division 3 National Player of the Year on Thursday, becoming the first player in the program’s D3 history to win the award.
Brito (Lincoln, R.I.) finished his decorated career by averaging 22.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for the Owls this season, leading them to a 23-6 record, a fourth consecutive Little East championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, where they won their first-round game over Clark.
“I am so honored to be the NABC Player of the Year,” Brito said in a statement. “I want to thank my coaches, teammates, parents, and family for all their support. Legendary is the standard at Keene State and I'm so proud to represent this school as the first Owl to be National Player of the Year.”
Brito tested the NCAA transfer portal following last season but ultimately chose to return to Keene State for his senior season. He was named an All-American for a third time as he finished his career with 2,206 points, which is the second-most in program history. He was also named the Little East Conference Player of the Year.
“This award is the culmination of hours and hours of work over many years,” Keene State first-year head coach Steve Enright said. "Octavio is extremely gifted, but what separates him is his work ethic, self-discipline, and determination to be the best.
“He has been the heart and soul of Keene State basketball throughout his career and is the ultimate teammate and winner. Our program and the entire community are so proud of him, and I can't wait to watch the next chapter in his basketball journey unfold.”
Brito is the first player from New England to win the Division 3 Player of the Year award since Babson’s Joey Flannery, who won it in back-to-back years in 2016 and 2017.
