Big man on campus hits milestone

Coach is pleased with Broyles' play and persona

Chris Labzda / senior photographer Senior forward/guard Dwayne Broyles became one of only 21 players to score 1,000 points in their career against VMI.

Hidden behind the commotion of Saturday's overtime victory over George Mason University, history was made before the eyes of the 4,347 people in attendance. Senior forward/guard Dwayne Broyles scored the 1,000th point of his collegiate career.

Broyles scored 19 points — surpassing the 1,000-point plateau in his JMU career while — becoming the 21st JMU player to accomplish the feat.

"When they announced it over the loudspeaker, that is when I realized it," Broyles said. "I really wanted to win the game. After the game I was like, 'Wow, I scored 1,000 points.'"

During his four years at JMU, Broyles currently is fourth all-time in 3-pointers made (160) and in 3-pointers attempted (449). As of Monday's game against the Virginia Military Institute, he leads the Dukes this season in scoring (15.3 per game), rebounds (5.3 per game), and is second in assists (2.3 per game). He has led the Dukes in scoring 12 times, has led in assists eight times and six times has been the team's assist leader. He also has started every game this season.

When Broyles looks back on his tenure at JMU, one event in particular sticks out in his mind.

"My sophomore year, we won that tournament game down in Richmond," he said, referring to JMU's first round victory during the Colonial Athletic Association's conference tournament, March 1, 2002 when JMU beat the College of William & Mary, 78-67 at the Richmond Coliseum. "We rallied from behind and came together. That sticks out [in my mind]."

Since starting only two games his freshman year, Broyles has evolved into the team's captain and the leader of a young Dukes team.

Junior guard Daniel Freeman said Broyles has many attributes very valuable to the team. Of those qualities, his leadership stands out.

"Day in and day out, he is the same way — he brings that leadership to the floor," Freeman said. "He keeps guys up-tempo and upbeat. When he sees guys slacking off, he gets on them."

He also takes that example of a team leader off the court. He is in good academic standing and will graduate in May.

Head coach Sherman Dillard ('78), a 1,000-point man himself (2,065, second most all-time in JMU history), said he hopes that his own sons could grow up to have the pleasant disposition, the easygoing demeanor and the excellent manors that Broyles possesses. Dillard added that if his children ever decided to play basketball, he would want them to have similar basketball attributes as well.

"Dwayne is an exceptional human being," Dillard said. "He has got the total package. I have been extremely proud of his development and progression over the years.

"Since his freshman year, he has become stronger and smarter," Dillard added. "His leadership is phenomenal."

Dillard feels that Broyles has made himself into one of the best players in the league. "I have to credit Dwayne; he has worked hard on his game," Dillard said. "Dwayne is one of those players who can score in crunch times."

Broyles currently is seventh in the CAA in scoring — the only JMU player in the top 24 players. He also is 12th in rebounds and 18th in assists in the conference.