COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John's University senior forward Aaron Burtzel (Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori) was named 2010-11 The Sporting News Preseason All-America honorable mention in its annual preview magazine.

A two-time All-MIAC selection and a 2010 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division III All-West Region second team pick, Burtzel started all 26 games and led the Johnnies in scoring (13.6 ppg.) and the MIAC (conference games only) in shooting percentage (.673, 107-159) and assists (4.85 apg.) last season. He also finished second in both rebounding (9.8 rpg.) and minutes played (35.60 mpg.), and third in steals (1.75 spg.). Burtzel recorded 11 double-doubles, including two triple-doubles, in 2009-10. He enters his senior campaign third on the school's known rebounding list with 662 career boards and is fifth in both assists (295) and minutes played (2,488). He needs 211 points to reach 1,000 for his collegiate career.

The Johnnies finished sixth in the MIAC with an 11-9 record and a 14-12 record overall last season to earn their fifth consecutive trip to the MIAC Playoffs and 18th overall. Head coach Jim Smith begins his 47th season at the helm of the Johnnies' basketball program with a 713-499 (.588) career record.

SJU travels to face Division I Marquette for an exhibition game Nov. 6 before returning home to formally begin its 2010-11 season against Division II St. Cloud State on Monday, Nov. 15.