Philander Smith's Reece, Virgin Islands' Rasmussen claim Week 6 HBCUAC Men's Basketball Awards

NEW ORLEANS - Philander Smith University's Raymond Reece wins Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week. University of the Virgin Islands' Brandon Rasmussen garners Newcomer of the Week. The men were recognized for their performance between November 24-30.

Reece posted a pair of 30-point performances and double-doubles, leading the Panthers to two victories. In Tuesday's game against Central Baptist College, he put up 35 points and 18 rebounds with 12 on defense. Reece followed with 32 points, 16 rebounds and four assists in a victory over Arkansas Baptist College. He leads the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics with 15.8 rebounds per game. This is Reece's fifth honor.

Rasmussen averaged 17.5 points, seven rebounds and four steals in two contests. He put up a high of 21 points against No. 25 Keiser University, adding seven rebounds and four steals. On Monday, Rasmussen recorded 14 points, nine rebounds and four steals in an 80-63 victory over Florida National University.

Additional men's basketball weekly nominees: Kailon Benton-Hamilton (Fisk), Cortez Collins (Wiley), John Harrison (Paul Quinn), LaRonte McHenry (Wiley), Shamir Mosley (Wiley), Antonio Patterson (Tougaloo), Tre Simmons (Talladega), Kesean Washington (Philander Smith), Arthur Williams (Talladega), Simeon Williams II (Fisk)

2025-26 Men's Basketball Player of the Week

About the 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), Huston-Tillotson University (TX), Oakwood University (AL), Paul Quinn College (TX), 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 soccer, 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.