GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its weekly awards following Week 3 of the 2025-26 men's basketball season. Lake Superior State redshirt sophomore forward Omar Suleiman earned GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week accolades while Saginaw Valley State redshirt junior forward Kevonne Taylor was tabbed as GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Omar Suleiman, Lake Superior State
Omar Suleiman continued his strong start to the season with a prime time week for Lake Superior State. He scored 19 points Wednesday against #9 Gannon in a 99-87 victory, then lit up Lawrence Tech for 22 in a 93-56 on Saturday's home opener. Suleiman shot 11-of-13 from the free throw line against Gannon. He drew a foul on a three-pointer early in the second half and converted all three shots, putting the Lakers ahead and wiping out a Gannon lead that had grown to as much as 12. On Saturday, the Lakers celebrated the 2024-25 Elite Eight team with a ring ceremony and banner unveiling at Bud Cooper Gymnasium, and Suleiman put on a show. He hit eight of 12 shots, connected on six of his eight three-pointers, dished four assists, snagged three rebounds and added a steal. It was a tremendous week for Suleiman, who sits third in the GLIAC in points per game, and leads the conference in three-pointers and free throws made. He's the only shooter in the GLIAC above 35% from the range as well.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Kevonne Taylor, Saginaw Valley State
Saginaw Valley State redshirt junior forward Kevonne Taylor was a menace in the paint for the Cardinals in the 80-71 win on the road over Ashland on Sunday. He matched a career-high seven blocks while also pulling down seven rebounds and adding eight points. It is the second time this season he has recorded 5 or more blocks. He currently leads the GLIAC with 3.6 blocks per game and is tied for the third-most blocks in all of NCAA Division II with 18.
HONORABLE MENTION
Offense: Ethan Alderink (Grand Valley State), Jordan Briggs (Wayne State), Brandon Claerbaut (Ferris State), Bryson Huckeby (Saginaw Valley State), Dylan Kuehl (Northern Michigan), Kyle Ross (Purdue Northwest), Ken Walker (Davenport)
Defense: Jalen Charity (Grand Valley State), Brandon Claerbaut (Ferris State), Jackson Dudek (Northern Michigan), Jotham Nweke (Wayne State), Alden Ritt (Davenport), Gabe Smith (Michigan Tech)
