Get ready to cheer for the Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Knights, because they’re making waves in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) once again! Two of their star athletes have just been named to the 2025–26 Preseason All-Conference Teams, and this is where it gets exciting. Men’s basketball sensation Jamal “Tall” Gibson has been crowned the HBCUAC Preseason Player of the Year, while women’s basketball standout Jordan Harris has secured her spot on the Preseason All-HBCUAC First Team. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Gibson isn’t just any player—he’s a two-time HBCUAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, dominating both the boards and the scoreboard. Nationally, he led the NAIA in rebounding with a staggering 16.4 per game and topped the HBCUAC in scoring at 23.2 points per game, ranking him fifth in the nation. His achievements don’t stop there—he’s a two-time recipient of the Makeda Excellence Award, has earned 14 Offensive Player of the Week and 15 Defensive Player of the Week honors, and made history as the first SUNO player to be named NAIA Defensive Player of the Week twice. And this is the part most people miss: on January 6, 2025, Gibson scored his 1,000th career point in just his 47th game, becoming the fastest player in SUNO history to reach this milestone. SUNO Director of Athletics and Men’s Basketball Head Coach James A. Matthews, III, puts it perfectly: ‘Jamal is a special player. His normal level of play is abnormal for anyone else, and his dominance is undeniable.’ But here’s the controversial part: could voter fatigue overshadow his unmatched talent this season? Let us know what you think in the comments!
On the women’s side, Jordan Harris is proving why she’s one of the HBCUAC’s top guards. Her ability to take over games in clutch moments and her consistent offensive firepower were key to the Knights’ success last season. Coming off a breakout 2024–25 season, Harris ranked third in the conference in three-point percentage (35.8%), scored 353 total points (8th in the league), and hit 62 three-pointers (4th in the conference). As she enters her senior year, she’s just 40 points shy of the 1,000-point milestone. But beyond the stats, Harris is a true leader—a team captain who excels academically and gives back to the community, embodying the values of SUNO Athletics. SUNO Women’s Basketball Head Coach Destinie Smith sums it up: ‘Jordan has been the heart of our women’s program. She’s a competitor who leads by example and delivers when it matters most.’ But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can Harris’s senior season propel her into the conversation as one of SUNO’s all-time greats? Share your thoughts below!
This recognition isn’t just about individual achievements—it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent thriving at SUNO. As the 2025–26 season tips off, all eyes will be on Gibson and Harris to see how they continue to elevate their teams and their legacies. Will they meet—or even exceed—the sky-high expectations? Only time will tell. Stay tuned, because this season promises to be one for the books!
