SWAC Basketball: "SWAC Hooper" Awards for 2023-24 season

Greetings to all, it's CWells your tour guide around the SWAC. As you know the end of the season brings awards, all-conference teams, and much more. So being the bright and clever guy that I am, I decided to create my end-of-the-season awards. My SWAC Hooper Awards recognize players who represent what I believe to be the best traits and attributes of SWAC players. In this article, I will tell you why each player is the best in their category. So put on your best hooping gear and check out these SWAC Hooper Award Winners.

Player of the Year; Ken Evans Jr. Jackson State

Evans is the reigning SWAC Player of the Year, so giving him this award was a no-brainer. Evans led the SWAC in scoring (18.8 ppg), number 11 in rebounding (5.4 rpg), number 6 in field goal percentage (40%), and number 9 in assists (2.9 apg). Evans can hurt you in a variety of ways, and that's what makes him my player of the year.

Should Be More Well Known: Rayquan Brown, Mississippi Valley State

This one was an easy selection, playing for a 1-30 team will cause you to fly under the radar. If you don't know about Rayquan the Chef (corny nickname courtesy of yours truly) then you missed out on a great player. He was the SWAC's second-leading scorer (18.3 ppg) while shooting 44% from the field. He also ranked ninth in rebounding (6.0 rpg). Even though he was the only weapon for Valley he was efficient scoring 38 points in one game and 39 in another on under 22 shots each game.

Defensive Player of the Year: Jordan O'Neal, Jackson State

O'Neal also won the SWAC's Defensive Player of the Year. He led the SWAC in blocks (1.4 bpg) and eighth in rebounds (6.0 rpg). He missed some time with injury and the Tiger defense really felt his absence. He turned in two 5 block games this season.

Smoothest Finisher: Jonathan Cisse, Texas Southern

When you watch Cisse you notice immediately that his game is smooth and he doesn't waste motions. He will use a variety of moves to get into the paint. And he has the patience and craftiness to get the best shot he can. He is not only dangerous in the paint, but he will use up and under as well as stepbacks at the 3-point line. Cisse is a big factor in TSU's offense averaging 13.6 points per game. 

Microwave: Rashad Williams, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

Former Detroit Piston Vinnie Johnson was called the Microwave because he could heat up quickly. Williams is my choice because the moment he enters the game he is a threat to score and score often. He won the SWAC Newcomer of the Year award because of his ability to keep his team in games. Even though he plays on a team of shooters he has had big games including a 33-point game.

Best Dime Dropper.  Tidjiane Dioumassi, Southern University

There are two types of point guards, the ones that can distribute the ball and the ones that can't. Not only is Dioumassi one of the ones that can distribute, but he is the best. He leads the league in assists (5.3 apg). He registered a 12-assist game this season. He uses his 6'4” frame to get into the lane, and he will use his vision to find the open man.

Dynamic Duo: Zion Harmon and Dhashon Dyson, Bethune-Cookman

There aren't many backcourts in the SWAC that feature two guys who could each be the go-to guy. Dyson and Harmon are both capable of hitting the tough shots whether from three, midrange, or at the basket. Harmon is the team's leading scorer and he also is a great passer. Dyson loves to drive and hit tough floaters and jumpers in the midrange. I've had the opportunity to watch this duo in action and even as an opposing fan I enjoy seeing them in action.

Mr. Double Double: Brian Myles, Prairie View A&M

Recording double-doubles in college isn't typically easy. But Miles made a habit of doing just that. He nearly averaged a double-double of 11.9 points and 9.3 rebounds. That rebounding average led the SWAC this season. He recorded 12 double-doubles in 18 SWAC games. 

Beast in the Paint: Jeremiah Kendall, Alcorn State

Kendall is easily the SWAC's best interior scorer. If he gets position he will score. He possesses a soft touch around the basket and he is able to play through contact. The 6’7” 215 pound Kendall is a tough matchup at both ends of the court. He averages 15.8 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game. This is another player I enjoy watching.

Underrated Scorer: Keith Lamar, Florida A&M

Lamar is another solid player on a bad team. He is a boom-or-bust-scorer turning in 5 games of 20+ points. He can shoot from distance or get in the lane and score. His lack of consistency is the only reason his name doesn't come up in top-scorer conversations.

These are just a few of the top players in the SWAC. I had a great time bringing this to you all. Just because the season is wrapping up doesn't mean the bus stops here. So stay locked in with me. I'm your tour guide around the SWAC signing out make sure to exit the SWAC bus carefully.