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HERENDA ON DIAZ: "Romeo Diaz was our leading rebounder last year. He scored the ball and was a huge part of our NCAA Tournament run. He has come such a long way as a player since his high school days in Methuen and we are reaping the benefits. We can play him at three positions which makes him very difficult to guard and he has improved so much on the defensive side of the ball. Romeo remains a vital componenet to our program's success."
AS A SOPHOMORE: Started all 30 games • Averaged 9.5 PPG and 6.3 RPG • Had a season-high of 23 points and three blocks against Concordia on Dec 18 • Had a season best of 12 rebounds against Adelphi in the Semifinals of the NE-10 Tournament.
AS A FRESHMAN: Named Northeast-10 Freshman of the Week on 11/17 for his 21 point, 10 rebound performance in his first collegiate game, the season-opener against Mercy • Averaged 4.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG after playing in 27 games with 12 starts on the year • After his breakout performance in the season-opener, he also notched 18 points against Caldwell on Nov. 21, going 4-5 from behind the arc.
METHUEN HIGH SCHOOL: Played basketball at Methuen High School for coach Richie Barden • Helped Rangers to Merrimack Valley Conference small school championship as a sophomore • Two-time Merrimack Valley Conference all-star • Two-year team captain • Named team's Most Valuable Player.
PERSONAL: Son of Luisa Ruffen of Methuen, Mass. and Guillermo Diaz • Nicknamed "Rome" • Lists the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics as his favorite professional teams • Lists NBA Cares social initiative program as a major influence • Says his greatest sports moment was scoring 51 points in a game against Dracut as a senior; He also tallied 17 boards, dished 11 assists and went 19-22 from the line in the 3OT, 98-96, victory • Fluent in English and Spanish.
