EDISON, NJ - Iona College men's basketball freshman Kyle Smyth was named MAAC Rookie of the Week for his performance in Iona's 2-1 week. Smyth averaged 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists against Long Island, Providence and Siena last week.

Smyth led the Gaels in scoring their two wins over the BIG EAST's Providence on the road and Long Island at home.  He  posted 18 points on Wednesday night against the Blackbirds while setting a career-high with five assists.  He upped his best point total effort to 21 while grabbing a career-best seven boards in Iona's 82-73 victory the Friars on Saturday night.   Smyth shot 15-of-21 (71.4%) from the field, 6-for-10 (60.0%) from beyond the arc and 11-for-13 (84.6%) from the free throw line in the three contests.

Smyth became the second Gael performer to earn the honor this season.   Classmate Mike McFadden was named Rookie of the Week on Nov. 23.  In 2008-09, sophomore Scott Machado earned six weekly awards en route to a Rookie of the Year honor in March.

The Gaels hold a 6-4 overall record heading into their final home game of the 2009 portion of their schedule on Thursday night.   Iona faces the University at Albany at the Hynes Center in a 7:30 pm tipoff.