Yates, who was nominated by Blue Raider men's basketball strength coach Jason Spray, was a first-team All-Sun Belt selection as a sophomore in 2007-08 and led the Blue Raiders in scoring with 16 points per game.

"It was not a coincidence that Boogie went from earning no all-conference awards as a freshman and not being on any preseason all-conference teams (in 2007-08) to being first-team all-league and maybe a candidate for Player of the Year as a sophomore," Middle Tennessee coach Kermit Davis said. "It started the day after we got beat by North Texas in the tournament semifinals. Boogie was as hard of a worker as I've ever seen in our conditioning, our 4-on-0 workouts, in the summer and the fall and that's how you pass guys.

"Not only did Boogie pass guys on our team but he passed guys in our league. Now you have to start the process all over because now you are the hunted and if you don't have the same spring, summer and fall, guys will pass him by - guys on his team and guys around the country."

Spray called Yates one of the "hardest working athletes I have ever been around," in his nomination letter.

"Desmond is the kind of guy who is a foundation player," Spray said. "You could build a program around a guy like Desmond. He has tremendous desire to improve and work hard every day. The dedication he has shown in the weight room has translated to improved performance and ability. Not only is Desmond a great athlete, but he is even a better person."

Yates, who was also named to the Sun Belt's All-Tournament team, said his off-season work regimen clearly impacted his play on the court as a sophomore and that he was appreciate of the award he has received.

"First, I want to thank coach Spray for thinking enough of me to nominate me for this award," Yates said. "I am very appreciative of the NSCA for recognizing me. I was a much more conditioned athlete this season and my strength was better and I have no doubt those things allowed me to have a better season. I worked hard in the off-season to become a better player and that's the approach I am going to take this off-season."

Yates was fifth in the Sun Belt in scoring (16.0), third in field goal percentage (.575) and 10th in free-throw shooting in 2007-08. He was also among league leaders for minutes played (31.9) and shot 51 percent from 3-point range.

The 6-7 forward enters his junior season with 860 career points (40th all-time) and his 55.8 career field goal percentage is ninth all-time.

The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year Award program is in its 29th year.

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