The first-team All-America honor is OC's seventh all time, and its first since Jarred Merrill in 2004-05. Taylor joins a prestigious list that includes Norvell Brown (1981-82), Kenneth Orange (1982-83), Cory Cole (1993-94), Jay Mauck (1998-99) and Merrill (2003-04, 2004-05).

"It's the culmination of a great year for Jason," OC head coach Dan Hays said. "He certainly had one of the top years of any player we've ever had. Jason doesn't think in terms of individual honors, but he's deserving because he does the right things on and off the court and in the classroom. We've already sat down and talked about what he can do to top it next year."

Taylor averaged 23.5 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game to lead OC to a 23-10 record and a third-place finish in the Sooner Athletic Conference, recognized as one of the premier leagues in the NAIA.

"It's a huge honor and I'm happy to receive it, but at the same time I wish my teammates could get the credit. Without them, my shots wouldn't come and none of this would be possible. I give all the credit to them and my coaches. I'm hoping to improve my overall game for next year. I need to be more consistent with my left-handed post moves and from three and the free-throw line," Taylor said.

There were many highlights from Taylor's tremendous 2008-09 campaign. The 6-7 center had a career-high 41 points against Lubbock Christian (Texas) on Feb. 12, which propelled him to NAIA Player of the Week honors. Taylor recorded 12 double-doubles and scored 20 or more points in 26 of the Eagles' 33 games.

Taylor scored 30 or more points during a three-game stretch and his 777 points were the third most in school history. The ultra-efficient postman shot 58 percent from the field and 80 percent from the foul line.

The Edmond, Okla., (North High School) product has 1,475 career points to rank 19th on OC's all-time list. He owns two SAC scoring titles after also leading the conference in scoring last year with 19.1 points per game.

Taylor, a third-team All-American last season, is now the Eagles' 10th two-time All-American. If he earns All-America status next year, he would become the program's first three-time selection.

-OC-