Jamal "Tall" Gibson and Tyon Thompson Selected to Preseason All-HBCUAC First Team; Gibson Named Preseason Player of the Year

New Orleans, LA [October 10, 2024] — Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Men's Basketball stars Jamal "Tall" Gibson and Tyon Thompson have been named to the 2024 Preseason All-HBCUAC First Team, with Gibson earning the prestigious title of Preseason HBCUAC Men's Basketball Player of the Year. After an unforgettable freshman season, Gibson was selected by 51 votes to continue his dominance in the upcoming season.

Gibson, who shattered multiple records as a freshman, averaged 21.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, setting new SUNO records for total points (630), rebounds (474), and double-doubles (29). His accolades from the 2023-2024 season include being named Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, as well as receiving selections to the NAIA All-American Third Team and the Louisiana Sports Writer Association All-Louisiana Third Team.

"Jamal had an incredible impact last year, and he's just getting started," said SUNO Men's Basketball Head Coach James A. Matthews, III. "His work ethic, leadership, and ability to elevate everyone around him are second to none. He set the standard last season, and I have no doubt he'll continue to be a force on the court and a leader off it."

Tyon Thompson, a new addition to the SUNO Knights roster, also earned a spot on the Preseason All-HBCUAC First Team. Thompson comes to SUNO after a great season at Fisk University, where he averaged 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, earning Second Team All-Conference honors.

"Adding Tyon to our squad takes our level of play to another dimension," Coach Matthews said. "He's a versatile player with a high basketball IQ, and his ability to make plays on both ends of the floor is going to be crucial for us."

With both Gibson and Thompson on the court, SUNO is poised to kick off the season on Thursday, October 24 when they head across town to take on Loyola (La.). Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

-SUNOKNIGHTLIFE-

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