Gophers star Rachel Banham named Big Ten Player of the Year

Even now, Rachel Banham still recalls exactly how she felt when she tore a ligament in her right knee. "I was really down on myself," the Gophers guard said, remembering that night in December 2014. "I didn't think I was going to be the player I was before."

She proved to be right, but not in the way she expected. The fifth-year senior returned better than ever, with an unforgettable season that reached a new peak Monday when Banham was named Big Ten Player of the Year in women's basketball. A winter of can-you-top-this performances — and a long list of conference and program records — made the Lake­ville native the choice of both coaches and media, as she became the fifth Gophers player and second in a row to win the league's highest honor.

Banham established Big Ten and program marks for career points (2,982) and broke the conference's 31-year-old single-season record for most points in league play (549). She also made the All-Big Ten first team for the third time in her career. Gophers sophomore guard Carlie Wagner was named to the second team by both coaches and media.

"Every year, I've said I want to be Big Ten Player of the Year," said Banham, who earned national attention Feb. 7 when she tied the NCAA single-game record with 60 points against Northwestern. "When I was younger, I always saw the people who won it were people who led their team to something really great. I felt like if I could get that, then I can get my team somewhere good, too.

"I'm really happy, and deep down, kind of emotional. I'm really happy and proud this season has gone the way it has and I've been able to do this."

Banham, Ohio State guard Kelsey Mitchell and Michigan State forward Aerial Powers all were unanimous selections to the All-Big Ten first team by coaches and media. Last year, then-Gophers center Amanda Zahui B. was named Big Ten Player of the Year by the media.

The leading career scorer among active NCAA players, Banham broke Lindsay Whalen's Gophers record for most career points on Dec. 3. Single-season records toppled by Banham this season include the Big Ten mark for most three-pointers (75) and program records for most points (803) and most three-pointers (107).

After putting up 60 points at Northwestern — and getting a Twitter shout-out from her idol, NBA star Kobe Bryant — Banham scored 52 at Michigan State. She also hit a last-second three-pointer to beat Iowa and scored 35 to lead the Gophers past Ohio State for their first victory over a top-five opponent in 11 years.

"We're so happy for her," said coach Marlene Stollings, who gave Banham the news early Monday afternoon. "She is so deserving, with everything she's persevered through and how she's led this team throughout the year."