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HBCU GO Basketball: The Race for Player of the Year | Meet the 2025–2026 Candidates

  • Writer: HBCU Go Staff
    HBCU Go Staff
  • Mar 11
  • 2 min read

The HBCU GO basketball season has come to a close, and the focus now shifts from competition to celebration—honoring the players who stood out during the 2025–2026 campaign.



On the next episode of The Pulse on HBCU GO, fans will get a closer look at the standout athletes who delivered big performances, led their teams through tough conference battles, and made their mark across the HBCU basketball landscape. With talent spread across multiple conferences and programs, this year’s Player of the Year race features a deep field of candidates who consistently stepped up when their teams needed them most.


The men’s list includes an impressive group of stars: 

  • Daeshun Ruffin (G, Jackson State), 

  • Larry Howell (G/F, Fayetteville State)

  • Jakobi Heady (G/F, Bethune-Cookman)

  • Cedric Taylor III (G, Howard)

  • Alfred Worrell Jr. (G, Morgan State)

  • Lewis Walker (G, North Carolina A&T)

  • Travis Harper (G, Tennessee State) 

  • Elijah Greer Dawson (G, Lane)

  • Shakur Poteat (G, Albany State)

  • Josiah Lawson (F, Morehouse)


Each player brought a unique style of play, from explosive scoring and playmaking to leadership that helped guide their teams throughout the season.


The women’s side features an equally strong group of contenders including: 

  • Atreonia Garner (G/F, Clark Atlanta)

  • Kailia Walker (G, Alabama A&M)

  • Zennia Thomas (F, Howard)

  • Bruni Martinez (F, Virginia Union)

  • Da’Brya Clark (G, Norfolk State)

  • Taliyah Logwood (G/F, Texas Southern)

  • Tan Brown (G, Edward Waters)

  • Maia Charles (F, Winston-Salem State)


Their performances helped define the season and highlighted the strength and depth of women’s basketball across HBCU programs.


On The Pulse on HBCU GO, revisit the defining moments, statistics, and highlights that put these athletes in the Player of the Year conversation.


The HBCUGO Players of the Year special airs March 13th at 12 PM and again at 7 PM on HBCUGO.tv, celebrating the athletes who turned outstanding seasons into unforgettable ones. 


 
 
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