2024 ACAC Men's Basketball Rookies of the Year
Edmonton, AB (February 29, 2024) –
North Male Rookie of the Year | Gabriel Humilde | NAIT Ooks:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Gabriel Humilde of the NAIT Ooks has been selected as the 2023-2024 ACAC Men’s Basketball North Rookie of the Year.
In an outstanding debut season with the NAIT Ooks men's basketball team, Gabriel Humilde has emerged as a formidable presence on the court. Humilde's impact on the court was undeniable as he secured a starting position in all 20 games played, amassing an impressive total of 449 minutes and averaging 22.4 minutes per game. With a keen scoring ability, he contributed significantly to the team's success, notching up 111 points at an average of 5.5 points per game. His proficiency extended to the free-throw line, boasting a commendable 71.4% accuracy.
"Gabriel is very well-deserving of the ACAC North Rookie of the Year honor! His work ethic, energy, and commitment helped set the tone as he won the job as starting point guard from day one. Gabe improved a great deal over the course of his rookie season thanks to his coachability and selfless attitude. He is an amazing teammate, and I am very proud that his hard work and dedication is being recognized by the ACAC," said Head Coach Jordan Baker.
Humilde, the first-year Bachelor of Business Administration student from Edmonton, Alberta, has been a great addition to the NAIT Ooks basketball program.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2024 ACAC Men’s Basketball Championship hosted by the Keyano College Huskies in Fort McMurray, AB. The Rookie of the Year award is proudly sponsored by Vereburn Medical Supply.
South Male Rookie of the Year | Deandre Rowe | Red Deer Kings:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Deandre Rowe of the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Kings has been selected as the 2023-2024 ACAC Men’s Basketball South Rookie of the Year.
In his first year, Rowe was a key contributor to the RDP Kings. He started in 18 games, averaging 27.5 minutes per game. Offensively, the Open Studies student was impressive, ranking third on the Kings with 12.7 points per game. The six-foot-four guard shot 42.7% from the field, 34% from three-point range and 75% from the free-throw line. Rowe also averaged 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
“I want to congratulate Deandre on having an outstanding season and receiving the South Rookie of the Year Award,” says Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life. “He is a talented player and an important member of the Kings. Deandre demonstrates a high basketball IQ which will serve him well as he continues to develop his game.”
During the regular season, the RDP Kings (12-9) placed fifth in the competitive ACAC Men’s Basketball South Division. In their opening game of the division playoffs, the Kings defeated the Briercrest College Clippers. Ottawa’s Rowe tied for the team lead with 19 points.
With an opportunity to advance to the Final Four, the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings were downed by the first place St. Mary’s University Lightning. Rowe contributed 10 points, which was third highest on the Kings.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2024 ACAC Men’s Basketball Championship hosted by the Keyano College Huskies in Fort McMurray, AB. The Rookie of the Year award is proudly sponsored by Vereburn Medical Supply.
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About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Jordan Richey, NAIT Ooks
Director of Athletics and Recreation
780-914-4348
jrichey@nait.ca
Randy Stewart, Red Deer Athletics
Manager, Athletics and Student Life
403-342-3449
randy.stewart@rdpolytech.ca
Kayla Blacquiere, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kaylab@acac.ab.ca