The NAIA has announced its All-American team in men’s basketball, featuring four HBCU players, including one on the First Team.
Here are the HBCU players who were honored.
Anthony Roy G, Langston
In his first season with Langston transferring from New Mexico State, Anthony Roy is the only HBCU player named to the NAIA All-American First Team.
Roy led the team in scoring, averaging 18.4 points per game on 47% shooting from the field and 42% shooting from three-point range.
He was one of the most prolific three-point shooters in the country this season, being one of only five players in NAIA who made at least 90 three-pointers while shooting over 40% from deep.
In addition to being named the Newcomer of the Year in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), he was named the conference’s Player of the Year.
Toru Dean G, Langston
The first of three HBCU players named to the NAIA All-American Third Team is another Langston guard, Toru Dean.
Dean compiled 9.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.1 steals in his second season with the Lions. He was the only player in the SAC to average over 2.0 steals per game while playing at least 30 games.
Jamal Gibson F, SUNO
Southern University at New Orleans forward Jamal Gibson is the only freshman selected to the NAIA All-American team.
Gibson’s story is interesting as, at 26 years old, this season was his first time playing organized basketball.
He was dominant on the floor, averaging a spectacular 21.0 points on 52% shooting from the field, 15.8 rebounds per game, and 2.5 blocks per game. The freshman was the only player in the country to average those numbers.
Najee Jones G, Texas College
Texas College junior guard Najee Jones is rounding out the list, who played a huge role in the team’s first 20-win season since 2010.
Jones put up 14.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.8 steals (led the team in each category) being named the Newcomer of the Year in the Red River Athletic Conference.
The Steers’ guard played well in the team’s NAIA tournament appearance with 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including three three-pointers, seven rebounds, and two steals.
