Senior Rashaun Banjo was named to the Second All-Northeast Conference Team for his play in the 2003-04 basketball season, but he “would definitely trade it for a spot in the playoffs.”

Banjo, a native of Far Rockaway, NY, had high hopes coming into the season. The team was predicted by many to win the NEC and receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. It was not to be as the team ended with a 9-20 record and failed to make the conference tournament. Despite the team’s dismal record, Banjo made a name for himself with his outstanding play in his senior season.

The 6’6″, 200 pound forward had a successful year personally as he led the team in both scoring, 17.5 points per game, and rebounding with 7.6 boards per game.

He credits much of his success to the coaching staff. “They have helped me make great strides. They had confidence in me and that helped a lot,” Banjo said. “I feel that I have definitely made visible strides since freshman year.”

Banjo has cherished his time playing at Quinnipiac, and even though he suffered through a losing season, there still were bright spots along the way. “The most memorable moment of the season for me, was when Rob [Monroe] hit the three pointer at Central to win the game for us,” Banjo said. “It was definitely the highlight of the year for this team.”

Not to be overlooked is the good team chemistry the team had. “We have such a small school that the team is more together,” Banjo said. “There are some great guys on this team.”

Banjo was obviously disappointed with his team’s failure this season to make the conference tournament. “It is hard to pinpoint one thing,” Banjo said about the team’s disappointing season. “There are a bunch of things you could say that we needed to be improved.”

Although things did not work out as he planned, Banjo has taken many things from his playing days at Quinnipiac. “I’ll miss most the fans and the faculty,” Banjo said. “They provided a great atmosphere for us and they always seemed to know what was going on.”

Banjo’s leadership will be missed next season as he was one of the emotional leaders of the team both on the court and in the locker room. “Quinnipiac is a great place to play basketball,” Banjo said. “If you work hard and work as a team there is no doubt you can be successful.”

Although his playing days for the Bobcats have come to an end, basketball is still certainly in the future for this talented forward. He will graduate with an entrepreneurship degree in May, but hopes to play basketball overseas for a couple years.

Banjo’s size, along with his ability to shoot, rebound and drive to the basketball could help him catch on in Europe. His leadership qualities will be one thing that will set him above the competition.