News Summary
UMass Boston’s freshman basketball player, Raphel Laurent, has been named the Little East Conference Rookie of the Year after an impressive first season. Averaging 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, Laurent showcased significant improvements throughout the season. Rising from a bench player to a key contributor, his performance was bolstered by hard work and dedication. Laurent remains focused on further developing his skills as he looks forward to helping the team achieve its goals in the upcoming season.
Boston, MA – UMass Boston’s freshman basketball player, Raphel Laurent, has been recognized as the Little East Conference Rookie of the Year following an impressive inaugural season. Laurent’s achievement reflects not only his individual talent but also his disciplined approach to the game.
Laurent, who had a standout senior year at Peabody High School, where he averaged 22.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, committed to UMass Boston in the fall with a clear goal: to contribute to the team and secure a noteworthy position. Beginning the season as a bench player, he found opportunities to showcase his skills when two key players were sidelined due to injuries during a tournament in Florida.
In his freshman year, Laurent ended up averaging 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His growth throughout the season was marked by a shift in playing style, focusing on control, defensive strategies, and exhibiting maturity on the court. Despite facing challenges with his shooting percentage, Laurent demonstrated significant improvement in driving to the basket and enhancing his rebounding, which contributed to his recognition as an outstanding newcomer in the league.
One of Laurent’s highlighted performances took place during a home tournament match against Colby-Sawyer College, where he scored 11 points and recorded three assists. A memorable moment from that game was a fastbreak dunk, a display that not only boosted his confidence but also solidified his sense of belonging within the team’s dynamics.
Off the court, Laurent emphasized the critical virtues of hard work, humility, and maintaining a strong sense of self-discipline. These values were pivotal as he navigated the transition from high school to college basketball, a change he noted included a substantial increase in physicality. Through perseverance, he developed a better understanding of pacing in the game, allowing him to be less reliant on forceful plays.
Reacting to his accolade, Laurent expressed surprise and gratitude for receiving the Rookie of the Year award, viewing it as a testament to his growth in confidence throughout the season. With an eye toward personal development, he aims to improve his 3-point shooting percentage as he continues to evolve as a player and contribute to the team’s goals.
As UMass Boston looks ahead to the next season, one of their primary objectives remains to win the Little East Conference, cut down the nets, and secure a place in the NCAA tournament. Laurent’s role will be integral as the Beacons strive to achieve these ambitions, leveraging his skills gained from a promising freshman season.
Overall, Raphel Laurent’s journey from high school standout to a pivotal player at UMass Boston highlights a narrative of achievement, determination, and a commitment to improvement, setting the stage for what fans hope will be an exciting future for both the player and the team.
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
