Men's Basketball concluded their season by winning the SCAC Tournament and posting an 11-4 record. This was the second consecutive season that the Celts were crowned champions of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Cameron Gims was named the team's Most Valuable Player, Juan Hood earned the Scholar Student-Athlete award and Christian Alaekwe took home the Celt Award.
Gims, a junior from Cypress, Texas, yet again turned heads in the SCAC. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season and took home Second Team All-SCAC honors. The junior started every game for the Celts and averaged 9.6 points, 8 boards and a pair of blocks and steals.
"Cameron is the anchor for our entire program in more ways than one" Head Coach Anthony Medina said. "To most, his defensive ability and accolades are what make him such a special player. To us, it is his commitment to excellence and dedication to being a great teammate that make him special. As an MVP he adds value to the program on and off the floor and we are grateful for all he brings to the table."
Juan Hood, a junior from Magnolia, Texas, has earned the Scholar Student-Athlete award after showing excellence on the court and in the classroom. Hood, an accounting major, posted a 3.50 GPA in just his first year at UST. In addition to leading in the classroom, he also led the Celts in scoring (14.5 PPG) and earned Second Team All-SCAC honors
"As a new student to UST Juan hit the ground running and had a great deal of success in the classroom" Medina added. "He quickly adjusted to UST in one of the most difficult times to be a college student. Though many will point to his impressive performance on the floor it is his academic success that leads the way for others."
Senior, Christian Alaekwe earned the Celt Award. This honor is given by each coach to a team member based on character, integrity, sportsmanship, and work ethic. Alaekwe filled the stat sheet up all season, ranking top three in nearly every statistical category for the Celts. His hard work and dedication also landed him on the All-SCAC Third team.
"Christian Leads by example, is unwavering with his attitude and effort, and is relentless in his pursuit of improvement" Medina said. "The approach that Christian brings to his education, work, and basketball career exemplify what it means to be a Celt. The program is blessed to be built with players as dedicated as Christian."
