Coleman,Coles Earn University Credit Union WAC Weekly Honors

ARLINGTON,Texas – The University Credit union Western Athletic Conference (WAC) has recognized outstanding performances from California Baptist and Grand Canyon University,awarding Kendal Coleman and JaKobe Coles wiht the prestigious player and Newcomer of the Week honors, respectively. The awards acknowledge their extraordinary contributions during the week ending on Saturday,Feb. 22. Coleman, a senior forward for California Baptist, and Coles, a senior transfer forward for Grand Canyon University, have solidified their positions as key players within the WAC.

The Western Athletic Conference continues to showcase top-tier talent, and these weekly awards highlight the dedication and skill of its athletes.The recognition from the University Credit Union further emphasizes the importance of academic and athletic excellence within the conference.

Kendal Coleman Shines for California Baptist

Kendal Coleman, a senior forward for California Baptist, has been named the University Credit Union WAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week.This honor comes after Coleman’s remarkable performance in a closely contested game against Grand Canyon University on Feb. 22 in Phoenix. Despite a narrow 66-64 loss, Coleman’s individual brilliance shone through, making him a clear choice for the weekly award.

Coleman led all WAC players in points per game average for the week,pouring in an impressive 24 points. His efficiency on the court was remarkable,hitting 9-of-13 shots from the field,which translates to a stellar .692 shooting percentage. He also demonstrated his range by sinking 4-of-7 attempts from beyond the arc.

Beyond his scoring, Coleman contributed considerably in other areas, pulling down seven rebounds to lead the Lancers. He also added one block and one steal, showcasing his defensive capabilities and all-around impact on the game.

JaKobe Coles Leads Grand Canyon to Victory

JaKobe Coles,a senior transfer forward for Grand Canyon University,has been named the University Credit Union WAC Men’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week. Coles played a pivotal role in Grand canyon’s home court victory against California Baptist on Feb. 22. His scoring and overall contribution were instrumental in securing the win for the Lopes.

Coles led the way for Grand Canyon, scoring 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting.His offensive output provided a crucial spark for the team, helping them maintain their lead and ultimately secure the victory.

In addition to his scoring, Coles contributed in multiple facets of the game.He added three rebounds, three steals, and dished out two assists, demonstrating his versatility and value to the team. His defensive presence, highlighted by the steals, helped disrupt California Baptist’s offense and create opportunities for Grand Canyon.

WAC Men’s Basketball Weekly Awards: A Season of recognition

The University Credit Union WAC Men’s Basketball Weekly Awards have consistently recognized outstanding performances throughout the 2024-25 season. Prior to Coleman and Coles receiving their honors, several other players have been recognized for their exceptional play.

The Player of the Week awards have celebrated a diverse range of talent, including:

• Dominique Daniels Jr., sr., G, California baptist (Feb. 17)
• Brayden Maldonado, Jr.,G,Seattle U (Feb. 10)
• Tyon Grant-Foster,Grad,G,Grand Canyon (Feb. 3)
• Dominick Nelson, Jr., G, Utah Valley (Jan.27)
• Tanner Toolson, R-So., G, Utah Valley (Jan. 21)
• Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe, Grad, F, Seattle U (Jan. 13)
• Tyon Grant-Foster, Grad, G, Grand Canyon (Jan.6)
• Lance Ware, Grad, F, UT Arlington (Dec. 31)
• Carter Welling, So., F, Utah Valley (Dec.23)
• Dominique Daniels Jr., Sr., G, California Baptist (dec. 16)
• Hunter Jack Madden, Sr., G, Abilene Christian (Dec. 9)
• Dominique Daniels Jr., Sr., G, California Baptist (Dec. 2)
• Jamir Simpson, Sr., G/F, Southern Utah (Nov.25)
• Jaden Wells,Grad,G,UT Arlington (Nov. 18)
• JaKobe Coles, Sr.,F,Grand Canyon (Nov. 11)

Similarly, the Newcomer of the Week awards have highlighted the impact of new players within the conference, including:

• Carter Welling, So.,F,Utah Valley (Feb. 17)
• brayden Maldonado, Jr., G, Seattle U (Feb. 10)
• Lance Ware, grad, F, UT Arlington (Feb. 3)
• Dominick Nelson, Jr., G, Utah Valley (Jan. 27)
• Dominick Nelson, Jr., G, Utah Valley (Jan. 21)
• Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe, Grad, F, Seattle U (Jan. 13)
• AJ Braun, Sr., F, California Baptist (Jan. 6)
• Lance Ware, grad, F, UT Arlington (Dec. 31)
• Carter welling, So., F, Utah Valley (dec. 23)
• Lance Ware, Grad, F, UT Arlington (Dec. 16)
• Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe, Grad, F, Seattle U (Dec. 9)
• Carter Welling, So., F, Utah Valley (Dec. 2)
• Jamir Simpson,Sr., G/F, Southern Utah (Nov.25)
• Jaden Wells, Grad, G, UT Arlington (Nov. 18)
• JaKobe Coles, Sr., F, Grand Canyon (Nov. 11)

Conclusion

The recognition of Kendal Coleman and JaKobe Coles as the University Credit Union WAC Men’s Basketball Player and Newcomer of the Week underscores their important contributions to their respective teams and the conference as a whole. Their performances on Feb. 22 exemplify the high level of competition and talent within the WAC. As the season progresses, their continued success

WAC BasketballS Rising Stars: An Exclusive Interview with Coach Riley Thompson

The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) is experiencing a surge in top-tier basketball talent, with players like kendal Coleman and JaKobe Coles making headlines. But what does this mean for the future of WAC basketball?

Senior Editor (SE): Coach Thompson, welcome. Kendal Coleman and jakobe Coles recently earned prestigious WAC weekly honors. Can you elaborate on thier exceptional performances and what sets them apart from other players in the conference?

Coach Riley Thompson (CRT): It’s a pleasure to be here. coleman and Coles truly represent the exciting evolution of WAC basketball. Their performances weren’t just about points; it was about complete basketball dominance. Coleman’s efficiency – a remarkable .692 shooting percentage – showcases his skill and composure under pressure. He’s a master of offensive strategy, demonstrating excellent shot selection and court awareness. Coles, on the other hand, exemplifies the meaning of a true newcomer’s impact. His contributions go beyond scoring; he’s a fantastic all-around player, consistently improving the team’s overall performance with steals, rebounds, and assists. This combination of high-scoring ability and all-around contributions is incredibly rare.

SE: The article mentions Coleman’s impressive 24-point game against Grand Canyon. how crucial was this performance to California Baptist, and what strategies did he employ to achieve such high scoring output?

CRT: Coleman’s 24-point performance wasn’t just statistically impressive; it was strategically pivotal. his ability to score efficiently, hitting inside shots and outside jumpers, kept the pressure on Grand Canyon’s defense. He strategically positioned himself to exploit gaps in the defense, which is a hallmark of a truly skilled and experienced player. This keeps the defense on their heels and opens scoring opportunities for his teammates. This kind of leadership on the court is what elevates a good player to a grate one.

SE: Coles’s recognition as Newcomer of the Week is certainly noteworthy. What aspects of his game have contributed most substantially to Grand Canyon’s success?

CRT: Coles’ success is a testament to the value of a well-rounded game. His 18-point performance was critical, but his impact extended far beyond scoring. His three steals disrupted California Baptist’s offensive flow, creating turnovers and transition opportunities. This highlights the significance of impactful defense in college basketball.He exemplifies the “defense wins championships” mentality, while contributing significantly to the team’s offensive play.

SE: The WAC has seen a consistent stream of high-performing athletes this season. Beyond Coleman and Coles,which other players embody this upward trend in the conference’s skill level? This is a key factor that shows the growth of the league.

CRT: Absolutely! The WAC is brimming with talent. Players like Dominique Daniels jr., Tyon Grant-Foster, and Brayden Maldonado have consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership throughout the season.They are not just top scorers, but key contributors to team success. The depth of talent across the league is raising the bar,leading to more competitive games and enhancing the overall quality of WAC basketball.

SE: What are some key characteristics that you believe define triumphant WAC basketball players today?

CRT: There are several key components: versatility, the ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game (scoring, rebounding, defense, assists); high basketball IQ, the ability to read the game, make strategic decisions, and anticipate opponent’s moves; efficiency, consistently making smart shot selections and minimizing turnovers; and lastly, teamwork, being a valuable and supportive member of the squad, collaborating to unlock collective potential.

SE: What does this resurgence of talent mean for the future of the WAC and its standing nationally?

CRT: The rise of players like Coleman and Coles is creating national buzz around the Western Athletic Conference. This improved level of play elevates the league’s competitive profile boosting recruiting and its overall presence in the national college basketball landscape. The future for the WAC is luminous!

SE: Thank you, Coach Thompson, for these valuable insights into the impressive talent emerging within the WAC. We’re genuinely excited to witness the continued rise of these athletes and the conference as a whole.

CRT: My pleasure! The future of WAC basketball is filled with exciting possibilities, and we’re thrilled to see the incredible things our athletes will accomplish, both individually and as a team.