BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — This is the 10th season Conference USA has given a Newcomer of the Year award to the best non-freshman in his first year with his program.
This one almost wasn’t fair.
To the surprise of few, James Kelly became the first Marshall player to capture the honor. Kelly has made the most of his only season with the Thundering Herd, leading the team to its highest finish in 11 years of C-USA play, a tie for third.
With the No. 3 seed, the Herd takes to the Legacy Arena court at 9:30 p.