2018-19 NCAA DIII MEN'S BASKETBALL STATISTICS
BOSTON – Alex Jacovides of the Suffolk men's basketball team has achieved a feat no one has achieved prior to him in program history, end the season as the NCAA Division III Statistical Champion, attaining the feat in three-point field goal percentage.
A sharp shooter from Tampa, Florida, Jacovides had a standout sophomore season, recording career highs in every category anchored by his finesse from downtown. Over 22 appearances and four starts in blue-and-gold in 2018-19, he shot 53.8 percent (63-117) from behind-the-arc, the best connection rate by an individual across all NCAA DIII men's basketball programs, who attempted 100 three-point field goals or more.
"Alex is clearly gifted in his ability to shoot the ball, but he also works really hard to maximize that ability," said Suffolk men's basketball head coach Jeff Juron. "Most don't see the work that goes into it."
This accomplishment is not only a first for Suffolk, but stands out in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) record books as well, as the first league student-athlete to accomplish the feat in three-point field goal percentage in the known annals, which date through the 2010-11 campaign.
Across all of NCAA basketball this season, Jacovides' shooting percentage from three-point range currently leads the way. His 53.8 mark, which finished just 0.4 percent better than the DIII runner up Calvin Songster of Maryville, also paces Division I and Division II packs with games played through March 24 and March 30, respectively.
Juron added, "If you step back and consider how many college basketball players there are in the NCAA, to be number one in any statistical category is a huge accomplishment."
Jacovides helped Suffolk to a historical 18-8 season, the most wins in four decades, and a second-place finish in the GNAC behind a 9-2 league ledger. He averaged 2.9 three-pointers per game, for 12.1 points per game to go along with defensive numbers of 3.0 caroms per outing. He was perfect from beyond-the-arc in three of his first four appearances on the hardwood (10-19) and hit a career-mark of six three's twice – a 90-18 win over Emmanuel Feb. 5 and a 79-77 victory against Saint Joseph's (Conn.) (Feb. 14). Overall, he knocked down 63 triples in 117 attempts. His 63 made treys are seventh on the Rams' single-season list, while his national-best 53.8 shooting percentage sits atop the program's yearly records as well.
With just two collegiate campaigns under his belt, Jacovides already has the presence as one of the best shooters to ever wear a Suffolk jersey. He currently lands second all-time in three-point field goal percentage with a 52.5 career mark (78-147).