PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Keegan Hyland (South Portland, Maine/South Portland HS), a two-time first-team men's basketball Academic All-America® for the Bentley University Falcons, has been named the "Man of the Year" in the Northeast-10 Conference after distinguishing himself in a variety of ways the last three years.

Hyland was recognized Monday night when the Northeast-10 held its annual yearend banquet at the Providence Hilton.

"This is a terrific recognition for all Keegan has achieved and represented during his time at Bentley," said coach Jay Lawson. "His perseverance and drive alone through almost four years of not playing is something few student-athletes could match. However, those who know Keegan had absolutely no doubt he would relentlessly push until reaching his goal.  

"Off the court, his leadership and legacy have been equally special as his unique academic success and tutorial assistance have had an unmatched impact on the success of many others around him.  This is a very well-deserved award!"

Hyland earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and his MBA from Bentley since his arrival on campus in the fall of 2012 after beginning his collegiate career at Gonzaga. He sparkled in the classroom, achieving a 3.92 GPA both as an undergrad and as a grad student.

On the court, Hyland produced 17.8 points a game during his three seasons of action, including 20.4 this past winter when he helped the Falcons to the NE-10 Northeast Division regular season championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II East Regional. He was fourth in the conference in scoring and was selected second-team All-NE-10 and NABC Division II All-East Region.

Hyland, a repeat honoree for the NE-10 Scholar-Athlete Sport Excellence Award for men's basketball, became the first NE-10 player in more than 15 years to average at least 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists while shooting at least .500 from the floor.

"Through being a scholar-athlete at Bentley, I grew in many ways as a man," said Hyland in an essay he prepared for his nomination. "My first year, I was injured and decided I wanted to find a way to have a powerful impact on the team and university.  I did this through dedicating myself to excelling in the classroom and to inspire my teammates to strive for excellence as well. 

"When I was able to return to the court, I rose to a leadership role on the team.  I continued with my true scholar-athlete mentality and I want to inspire my team to immolate my approach.  Seeing my teammates transcend the classroom and set a new standard for the program was such an amazing experience. It taught me the power of leading by example more so than through words.

"On the court, I could not have had a better leader and mentor to guide me than Coach Lawson.  He demanded humility, work ethic, toughness and many other attributes daily.  Coming through the program you begin to embody these principles and teach them to the younger teammates. 

"I have learned the power of sport, as it can help you grow in your sport but more importantly grow as a person.  Lastly, the power of cultivating relationships has been instilled on me as I have created bonds that cannot be broken.  The Bentley community, athletic department and basketball team have all changed my life for the better and have prepared me to take on the next step in the journey of life," concluded the academic and basketball standout."

Hyland is the first Bentley student-athlete to receive the NE-10 Man of the Year Award, which has been presented annually since 2013.