FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Sam Spann 6-5 220 F

HISTORY

2000-01: Spann emerged as the team’s top scorer and rebounder, averaging 15.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. The forward finished the season ranked in several MAAC statistical categories, including scoring (6th), rebounding (2nd), field goal percentage (2nd - .551) and steals (4th - 1.67 pg). He scored in double figures 22 times, and tallied 10 or more rebounds 14 times. Spann shot better than 50 percent in 18 different games, including six contests of 70 percent or higher. In his last three games of the regular season, Spann made 22 of 35 shots from the floor (.628). He enjoyed a streak of eight consecutive double-doubles during the season, before the string stopped with his 22-point, nine-rebound performance against St. Peter’s. Spann tallied 20 or more points in nine outings, including a career-high 26 markers against both Iona (11 rebounds) and Niagara (6 rebounds). He performed well at the free throw line, shooting 68 percent from the line. His 23 blocks were second to team leader Rob Thomson. Spann made 10 free throws in a game twice (Iona and at Manhattan). Spann was named the MAAC Player of the Week on February 12 for his 22-point, nine-rebound effort against St. Peter’s.

1999-2000: Spann transfered to Fairfield from Syracuse in January, 1999 and sat out one year before becoming eligible for the second half of the 99-00 campaign. His first game in a Stags uniform came against the University of Connecticut, scoring four points and grabbing three rebounds. He made his home debut against Northern Illinois and tallied 10 points with four rebounds, hitting his first five shots from the floor before settling for 5 of 8 in the game. He registered a career-best three blocks against NIU, helping him lead the team with 16 rejections. Spann enjoyed friendly Alumni Hall, averaging 8.9 points per game at home. Of his five double-digit scoring performances, four came at Alumni Hall. His lone double-digit road game came in a 10-point effort against Loyola. On the road, he averaged 2.9 points per game. During the Stags three-game home stand (January 18-23), he averaged 11 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, helping the Stags post a 3-0 record. Spann did well on the boards as well, grabbing five or more caroms in six games. Among those six games, Spann secured a season-high nine rebounds against Canisius. He tallied a season-high 17 points in the team’s win over Manhattan, making seven of nine shots from the floor. He also netted seven of nine shots in a 16-point performance against Niagara. Spann shot 50 percent or better in nine of 22 games this year. The forward was named the MAAC Pre-Season Rookie of the Year by Lindy’s College Basketball Preview magazine last Fall.

Before Fairfield: He came to the Stags through Syracuse University, where he played in eight games during the 1997-98 campaign. He averaged three minutes per game, netting four points and grabbing two rebounds during his eight appearances.

High School: Attended Butler High School in Alabama where he earned McDonald’s All-America honors. He also received spots on the All-State team as a junior and senior. Spann helped his team capture the Huntsville City championship in both his junior and senior seasons. He led the team by averaging 17.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and four steals per game as a senior. For his career, Spann averaged 16 points and 10 caroms per contest. Off the court, Spann received the S.R. Butler Senior Athletic Award and Leadership Award in his final season.

EVALUATION

Spann is a very versatile player who can play either on the perimeter or in the post. He has been one of the top players in the MAAC for the past two years. Spann has the ability to play three positions, the power forward, the small forward, or the shooting guard. His versatility and overall athletic ability make him a definite pro prospect. He has the ability to play in the NBDL, CBA, ABA, or internationally.