SWAC Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

1. Martaveous McKnight

A 6’4 combo guard from Walls, Mississippi, McKnight began his college playing days at Itawamba CC, a junior college in his home state. After two years there, he got his shot at the D1 level, arriving at Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2017. The Golden Lions had had some success in recent years, but won a combined 13 games in the last two seasons; they’d appreciate what he brought to the program.

During his junior season, his first in Pine Bluff, McKnight averaged 18.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He helped the Golden Lions finish 2nd in the SWAC and had numerous great performances, including a triple-double against Alabama A&M. His senior year started off hot, as he had multiple 40-point games in the first three weeks of the season and would average 20.8 points for the year. McKnight was a good shooter and led the Golden Lions to another decent season.

He was named SWAC Player of the Year for that marvelous junior year and was easily First Team All-SWAC for both seasons. McKnight finished second in the league in points in both season and was among the conference’s best in defensive rebounds, steals, and field goal percentage. McKnight really blossomed in the Golden Lions’ backcourt and was a major factor for the program’s two most recent seasons finishing above .500 in conference play.