Jamal Gibson Named National Defensive Player of the Week

Jamal Gibson Named National Defensive Player of the Week
February 5, 2025
NEW ORLEANS [February 5, 2025] – For the first time in program history, a SUNO men's basketball player has received national player of the week twice in one season. Sophomore Jamal Gibson has been named NAIA Defensive Player of the Week, the Association announced on Tuesday. Gibson exploded for 27 rebounds and 11 blocks in two games.
 
"I want to thank everyone who voted for me this week," Gibson said. "Defensive Player of the Week means a lot to me because I work hard and try to improve my play every game. This week was even more special because I got into foul trouble in the first half of the Tougaloo game and had to sit out. I didn't have any rebounds in the first half, so I knew I had to work even harder in the second half to make up for the lost time."
 
In two games, Gibson averaged 5.5 blocks and 13.5 rebounds per game last week, protecting the rim and helping the Knights to wins over University of the Virgin Islands (88-80) and Tougaloo College (82-73).
 
Against the top team in the HBCUAC West Division, Tougaloo, Gibson's presence in the paint proved problematic as he snatched 11 defensive boards, preventing the Bulldogs from getting second chance points.
 
Gibson leads the nation in rebounding, averaging 15.9 boards per game. He is also first nationally in defensive rebounds with 11.5 per game and 265 total. Gibson has amassed 366 total rebounds this season, breaking the program single-season record that he set last season as a freshman.
 
"I really can't believe I broke the record last year and then broke my own record already this year," Gibson stated. "I put in a lot of work to get to this point in my life, but I still have a lot left to accomplish. I see what I'm able to do and accomplish now, and it makes me work harder every time I get on the court."
 
The Knights return to the court on Saturday to take on crosstown rival Dillard. Tipoff is 3 p.m. at SUNO's home gym, The Castle.
 
For more information about SUNO Athletics visit sunoathletics.com.
 
 
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