Zimmermann Becomes Bethel's First-Ever NABC First Team All-American

The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced today the 2015 NABC Coaches' Division III All-America teams. Selected and voted on by member coaches of the NABC in NCAA Division III, these student-athletes represent the finest basketball players across America. Among the group of eight players honored to the First Team was Bethel University's Kyle Zimmermann. Zimmerman's prestigious honor marked the first time in program history that a member of the BU basketball team was awarded First Team honors. Two other Royals that received NABC All-American recognition, Taylor Hall and Dale Turnquist, were both Second Team honorees. The award for Kyle Zimmermann is incredible given all circumstances. The senior forward managed to overcome a season-ending injury in what he thought to be his senior year last year and not only led the league in scoring, but also rebounding and field-goal percentage as a 6-3, 200-pound post player. Zim's numbers not only led the league, but also ranked among the top players nationwide. He finished his final campaign with 17.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Additionally, the Champlin, Minn., native shot 60.7 percent from the floor and 68.6 percent from the charity stripe. Kyle finished the year with 13 double-doubles, including a trio in the final three postseason games. Zimmermann's All-American award is the pinnacle of honors he's received throughout the season. Zimmermann was touted as the NABC West Region Player of the Year yesterday and was also voted as the MIAC's Joe Hutton Most Valuable Player by league coaches. Additionally, he was among the D3hoops.com All-Region First Team, MIAC All-Defensive Team, MIAC All-Sportsmanship Team, and a four-time MIAC Player of the Week recipient. His success goes beyond the hardwood too. Zimmermann received CoSIDA Academic All-American honors earlier this winter and has twice been recognized on the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team. Kyle is a three-time MIAC Academic All-Conferece award-winner and has been on the Dean's List eight times.