The season may be over for the NIU men’s basketball team, but the fun and games continued Monday night at the fourth annual men’s basketball banquet.

Players, fans and other guests enjoyed playing horse, pick-up games and shooting around on the floor of the Convocation Center.

Athletic Director Jim Phillips addressed the small crowd to kick off the event.

“I don’t believe in flukes,” Phillips said. “I believe in preparation and success.”

Stories such as 6:15 a.m. practices in September were shared as proof of that preparation.

But the event wasn’t all serious, as coach Rob Judson joked about his parents who attend home games.

“I always say, if you want to know what we are doing right, sit by my mom,” the fifth year coach said. “If you want to know what we are doing wrong, sit by my dad.”

Even Sports Information Director Mike Korcek joined in the jokes when he pointed out that a few of the Huskies are two dunks behind former Naperville Central star Candace Parker.

Senior forward Todd Peterson earned the teams MVP honor. Peterson averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assist per game.

“The award is nice, but I did it with the team.” Peterson said. “It’s a tremendous honor.”

Other awards given at the banquet included the slam dunk award to Mike McKinney, the heart award to Cory Sims and the defensive award to Anthony Maestranzi.

Rob Judson put a final note onto the season as he pointed to the team’s mentality for the individual and team success in the 2005-2006 season.

“This historic season was possible because of our team’s attitude,” Judson said. “This group was selfless to each other.”