With finals and graduation taking over the month, this past week was lackluster as far as games being played. Several teams have been off for long stretches, which gives them time to reset and refocus. Other teams have still been grinding it out with multiple games this past week and continuing to challenge themselves as conference play nears. Four HBCU’s will represent three conferences in Atlanta for the Chris Paul HBCU Classic this week. This will be a big opportunity for them to add to their resume and win some recruiting battles in a talent rich state like Georgia.
The CAA’s HBCU duo were in action this week and the Aggies of North Carolina A&T continued to ascend. They finished 2-0 this week and secured a huge win over cross town rival UNC-Greensboro. Hampton is preparing for their trip to Atlanta, so their only game was a narrow loss to Howard which dropped them 11 spots in KenPom. The loss ended a three-game winning streak, but they have a chance to secure two quality wins at the HBCU Classic. The Aggies will be off for a few days in hopes to get star guard Lo Walker back healthy before conference play begins on December 29th.
MEAC Weekly Review
The MEAC had five teams improve their KenPom rating or stay the same. Howard was the biggest riser in the HBCU realm this week, jumping 21 spots. No other team climbed more than three spots (Morgan State) this week. The strength of the conference continues to be at the top with Norfolk State and Howard being the clear favorites, but Delaware State is a sneaky team to watch out for when MEAC play begins as they consistently improve weekly despite the 4-8 record.
Only one team (Howard) boasts a winning record while three teams already have double digit losses. Four teams are on three or more game losing streaks, including South Carolina State who remains winless. The conference overall has played a tough strength of schedule so the records as they stand are not indictive of what most of these teams are. How they respond in conference play will let us know if the tough non-conference scheduling helped or hurt in the long-term.
SWAC Weekly Review
Nine of the 12 SWAC teams fell or stayed the same this week in KenPom. Buy-games are concluding and they had a significant impact on why these SWAC teams did not have the best week. 11 teams have losing records and four have only one win under their belt. There are six teams who currently hold a 3+ game losing streak as we near conference play.
Despite some of the ineffectiveness in the SWAC, there was plenty of positive that occurred this week. New head coach Charlie Ward (FAMU) picked up his first Division I win over Jacksonville and is currently on a conference best three-game winning streak. The Alabama schools (A&M and State) continue to prove they both can be contenders in the conference. Alabama State played Missouri extremely tough on the road, losing by single digits. Their record does not indicate how well they have played against a tough schedule. Alabama A&M owns the only winning record in the conference and has looked like the best team in the league thus far. The new look Bulldogs have made the highest jump of any SWAC team in KenPom and look to build on that as their schedule lightens up.
Alabama A&M’s Ascendance
During the first iteration of this HBCU series, there was a section titled "Underrated Team to Monitor” and that team just so happened to be the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M. All they have done since that point is win five of their next nine games. Two of those four losses came to power level competition (Clemson & Ole Miss) on the road, so no shame in those losses. New head coach Donte Jackson has hit the ground running and should be one of the favorites to win SWAC Coach of the Year.
Under Donte Jackson, the Bulldogs have embraced a gritty, defense-first identity, transforming from a preseason projection near the bottom of prominent analytics sites into a squad that's climbing the ranks despite the offense being poor. Their 6-5 record is the best since the COVID shortened season in 2021. The biggest question will be can they sustain that momentum going into conference play.
The Bulldogs have been fortress-like at the Alabama A&M Event Center, posting a perfect 6-0 record on their home court. This undefeated home stand has been a cornerstone of their success, providing a raucous environment that fuels them on both ends of the floor. With four of their next seven games scheduled at home, the Bulldogs are well-positioned to build momentum heading deeper into the season.
Momentum has followed performance. The Bulldogs went 2–1 this week, with the lone setback coming against SEC opponent Ole Miss. Rather than stalling progress, that loss was absorbed without derailing it, an important indicator of maturity for a team still building continuity and winning habits.
Advanced metrics echo what the eye test shows. Alabama A&M jumped 16 spots in KenPom this week, the second-largest rise among all HBCU programs. After opening the season ranked 320th nationally, the Bulldogs now sit at 272, having peaked as high as 260 before a blowout loss to Lipscomb temporarily stalled their climb. Even with that dip, the overall trajectory is unmistakably upward.
This rise has been an instant effect of suffocating defense. Alabama A&M ranks in the top 150 nationally in both block percentage and steal percentage, disrupting opponents and forcing turnovers. They've held teams to a stingy 32.8% shooting from three-point range, turning games into low-possession battles where their physicality shines.
Recognition followed the weekly results. Alabama A&M swept the SWAC’s weekly awards, with Kintavious Dozier earning Player of the Week, Sami Pissis named Impact Player of the Week, and Koron Davis taking home Newcomer of the Week honors. The sweep underscored not only individual excellence, but also the depth of contribution across the roster.
Offensively, there is still room for growth. The Bulldogs have relied heavily on getting to the free-throw line to generate scoring, and overall offensive fluidity remains a work in progress. But paired with their defense, that approach has been enough to win games and maintain consistency. Looking ahead, projections remain optimistic. Alabama A&M is expected to post a win percentage north of 50 percent over its next 11 games, a stretch that could firmly establish the Bulldogs as a legitimate factor within the SWAC race.
After a challenging previous season, the Bulldogs' ascendance is a testament to coaching, player development, and a commitment to defensive excellence. As conference play intensifies, Alabama A&M is no longer the overlooked HBCU program, they're a rising force ready to make noise in the SWAC.
Howard Bison Bandwagon: Hop On Now
If you’re looking for a team worth investing in right now, look no further than the Howard Bison. Quietly and now not so quietly, Howard has put together one of the most impressive stretches of basketball in the MEAC, and the results demand attention. The Bison are coming off a perfect 2–0 week, picking up a road win at Drexel after taking care of business against Hampton on a neutral floor.
They remain the only MEAC program with a winning record, a statement that holds real weight as conference play approaches. This success hasn’t come without adversity. Five losses may sit on the ledger, but context tells the real story. Three of those defeats came by two possessions or fewer. The remaining two losses? Against Missouri and Duke, so no shame there for an HBCU squad punching above its weight.
The accolades are pouring in too. The Bison swept the MEAC weekly awards, recognizing standout performances across the board - including Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week, and Rookie of the Week. It's a testament to the depth and talent on this roster.
At the heart of it all is graduate guard Bryce Harris. He's averaging 19.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 49% from the field, 37% from three, and 81% from the free-throw line. Harris has been a consistent force, dropping 20+ points in multiple games and leading the charge in clutch moments. Night after night, he’s been the most reliable player on the floor, and should be the clear front runner for MEAC Player of the Year.
Even more promising is the return of Cam Taylor III, who is finally back in the lineup after missing the first 11 games of the season. In just two games, Taylor is already averaging 11 points per game in 28 minutes, providing an immediate boost. The Morehouse transfer brings proven production after posting 15.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game at his previous stop. His presence adds another scoring option that could raise Howard’s ceiling significantly by not allowing teams to double or strictly focus on him from a defensive perspective.
Next up is a massive test: a road matchup against UNC Wilmington, who are rolling at 10-1 and riding a 9-game winning streak. But if the Bison brings the same grit and defensive intensity they've shown lately, don't count them out. This team has the talent, resilience, and momentum to make noise in the MEAC and beyond.
Weekly Player Spotlight
Alfred Worrell, Guard – Morgan State
In a season where Morgan State has battled through early struggles, senior guard Alfred Worrell Jr. has emerged as a beacon of consistency and firepower. The Washington, D.C. native, who transferred from Southern Miss delivered a standout performance in the Bears' recent victory over Niagara. That win snapped a seven-game skid and marked their first win against a Division I opponent this year.
Worrell poured in a game-high 24 points against the Purple Eagles, shooting an efficient 7-of-8 from the field, including a scorching 6-of-7 from beyond the arc. His hot hand from deep helped Morgan State shoot 45% from three as a team while dominating the rebounding battle 35-12. It was a masterful bounce-back effort after a tough 0-for-10 shooting night against DePaul earlier in the week, where he managed just a season-low 2 points.
Since transferring from Southern Miss, where he averaged 6.5 points in 13.6 minutes per game, Worrell has taken on a larger role and made the most of his opportunities. His recent stretch of play reflects that growth, as he has recorded three 20-point performances over his last four games. With his ability to stretch the floor and score in bunches, Worrell has quickly emerged as a key piece in Morgan State’s backcourt. As the season progresses, his resilience and scoring consistency could prove pivotal for the Bears moving forward.
Owen Bronston Jr, Guard – South Carolina State
Amid a challenging start to the season for South Carolina State, junior guard Owen Bronston Jr. has solidified himself as the Bulldogs' go-to offensive weapon. The junior college transfer has brought an instant scoring punch to the Bulldogs’ backcourt, building on a résumé that included averages of 26.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game at Edison State. He also boasts the team's highest usage rate despite ranking third in minutes played.
This week, Bronston averaged 16.5 points while shooting efficiently, knocking down 13 of 26 shots from the field and 7 of 15 from three-point range. His production has come almost entirely from the flow of the offense, as he has yet to attempt a free throw this week, highlighting his reliance on perimeter scoring and shot making. Being more balanced could elevate his game more, but the shot-making is some of the best in the conference.
As he continues to adjust to the Division I level, Bronston’s scoring efficiency and offensive responsibility position him as a key contributor for the Bulldogs as the season moves forward. Watch for Bronston Jr, his scoring instincts and deep range make him a matchup nightmare on any night and the Bears will need every ounce of his production in conference play.
Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt, Guard – Hampton
In the early stages of the season, Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt has quickly established himself as one of the offensive leaders for the Pirates. The senior guard, a transfer from Alcorn State, currently leads the team in both scoring and assists. He provides the playmaking and scoring punch that the Pirates desperately need as they transition into CAA competition.
In Hampton’s lone game this week, Gaines-Wyatt poured in 20 points, marking his second consecutive 20-point performance and his third of the season. His consistent scoring has set the tone offensively which he was accustomed to doing during his time at Alcorn State where he averaged around 11.5 points per game.
As CAA play looms, guard play often dictates success in a league known for its perimeter-oriented offenses run by high quality guards. Hampton will rely heavily on Gaines-Wyatt's continued production in the backcourt. His blend of scoring instincts, vision, and experience could prove pivotal in determining how much success the Pirates have in conference action.
Newcomer of the Week
Cam Gillus, Guard – Howard
When Cam Gillus transferred from Lehigh, he brought a reputation as a versatile, high-IQ point guard ready to make an immediate impact. Now, midway through the season, he has emerged as one of the top newcomers across HBCU basketball. He is leading the Bison in assists, steals, and constantly performs well in clutch moments to help propel the team toward their 8-5 record.
Through 13 games, Gillus averages 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists. His efficiency stands out, shooting over 44% from the field with playmaking that orchestrates Howard's offense. He is on a five-game streak of scoring 13+ points but will be challenged as soon as this weekend against a tough UNC-Wilmington team.
For the week, Gillus averaged 14.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, while shooting an efficient 8-for-14 from the field and 4-for-7 from three-point range. He also totaled six steals, continuing to set the tone defensively. Defense has been a hallmark of Gillus’ game all season. He is averaging 2.2 steals per game and has recorded five games with three or more steals, earning him MEAC Defensive Player of the Week honors. His on-ball pressure and anticipation have fueled Howard’s defensive intensity and helped create easier scoring opportunities.
As the season progresses, Cam Gillus will not only be noted as just a newcomer; he's a cornerstone of Howard's ascent. His blend of skill, competitiveness, and leadership is exactly what Howard needs in pursuit of a MEAC title.
Weekend Games to Watch
Depending on when you are reading this, the Chris Paul HBCU Classic could be on day two and there will be plenty of action between several HBCU’s in a neutral setting. This should be the last week where buy-games are the case, and we get to know the real ceiling and/or floor of these respective teams. Below are three games that feature some of the best players and teams on the HBCU level. This will be a great opportunity for these teams to carry some momentum into conference play.
Hampton vs. Grambling State [Friday, December 19th]
Howard at. UNC-Wilmington [Saturday, December 20th]
Chattanooga at Alabama A&M [Sunday, December 21st]
