March 12, 2010

BOCA RATON, FL - The V Foundation for Cancer Research has named Sanchez Hughley a finalist for the tenth annual V Foundation Comeback Award. The award is presented in conjunction with ESPN and the recipient will be announced March 30 during ESPN's basketball coverage.

The finalists are: D'Andre Bell, Georgia Tech; Dallas Blocker, Youngstown State; Brianna Culberson, Denver; Kelvin Davis, San Diego State; Kelsey Griffin, Nebraska; Sanchez Hughley, Florida Atlantic; Thomas Kleinschnitz, Franciscan University of Steubenville; Kristen Lucci, Waynesburg; and Dana Pernell Smith II, Longwood.

The annual award is open to men and women collegiate basketball student-athletes in all divisions. It is awarded to an individual or a team who has accomplished a personal triumph in the face of true adversity, be it in health, life or moral dilemma. Student-athletes are nominated by their athletics department representative.

The award is presented in memory of Jim Valvano, the late basketball coach and ESPN commentator, whose personal battle with cancer inspired the creation of The V Foundation. In his memorable speech at ESPN's inaugural ESPY Awards announcing the creation of The V Foundation, Valvano's "Don't Give Up. . .Don't Ever Give Up!"® motto created a legacy from which the Comeback Award was created.

Shortly after the season ended Hughley was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right lung. This diagnosis resulted in the removal of one third of his right lung and could have ended his career. After having to sit out the entire 2008-09 season, Sanchez was cleared to return to the court and was a mainstay in Coach Mike Jarvis' starting lineup, and ended the season 9.9 points and 4.4 rebounds, with four double-doubles including career highs of 19 points and 11 rebounds.