Philander Smith, SUNO, Talladega, Wilberforce claim Week 16 HBCUAC MBB Weekly Awards

NEW ORLEANS - February 17, 2025 - Philander Smith University men's basketball player Xavier Alexander wins Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Offensive Player of the Week. Jamal Gibson of Southern University of New Orleans takes home Defensive Player of the Week. Malachi Chavis of Talladega College repeats as Freshman of the Week. Eduardo Diaz of Wilberforce University brings home Newcomer of the Week. The athletes were recognized for their performances between February 10 and 16, the conference announced on Monday.

Alexander averaged 25.5 points per game in two contests, leading the Panthers to victories over Dillard University and Southern University at New Orleans. He surpassed his career high twice with 20 points against Dillard on Thursday and Saturday at SUNO. Alexander shot 60 percent from the field. Nine of his 18 field goals were from 3-point territory.

Gibson dominated on the glass as he picked up his 53rd and 54th consecutive double-double. He posted 21.5 rebounds per game with 14 on defense in two contests last week. He contributed three steals and a blocked shot. Gibson picks up his 13th weekly honor and leads the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in defensive rebounds and total rebounds.

Chavis put up 10 points in the Tornadoes victory over National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II school Miles College on Thursday. He shot 4-for-6 and contributed seven rebounds and two steals. Chavis picks up his fourth double-digit scoring game and improves his scoring average to five points per game.

Diaz tallied 16.5 points per game and helped the Bulldogs to two key conference victories over Rust College and Fisk University. He shot 64.7 percent from the field and nine of his 11 made field goals were from 3-point territory. Diaz also contributed six rebounds and two assists. 

Additional men's basketball weekly nominees: Steven Aroh (Oakwood), Evan Alexander (Philander Smith), JaMarkus Alexander (Oakwood), Michael Ashley (Fisk), Jalen Bates (Wiley), Doyel Cockrill III (Fisk), Ta'San Coleman (Fisk), Cortez Collins (Wiley), Calvin Finch Jr. (Stillman), Eric Grant (Stillman), Nekthy James (Wilberforce), Bentravin Phillips (Dillard), Jesse Olverson Jr. (Wilberforce), Lamont Sams (Talladega), Michael Taylor (Stillman), Amorey Womack (Philander Smith)

2024-25 Men's Basketball Players of the Week

-HBCUAC-

About HBCU Athletic Conference
The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The HBCUAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Oakwood University (AL), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Stillman College (AL), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Voorhees University (SC), Wilberforce University (OH), and Wiley University (TX). HBCUAC sponsors championships in men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, women's volleyball, softball, and baseball. In 2022, the HBCUAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. On July 1, 2024, the conference rebranded from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to the HBCU Athletic Conference, marking a new era for the conference that embodies the makeup of its membership. For more information, visit hbcuac.org.