South Central Reporter

Cole Jr. Named SLIAC Newcomer of the Year

The 2023 SLIAC Newcomer of the Year is Troy Cole Jr., from Blackburn College. The freshman started all 26 games this season for the Beavers, averaging 16.4 points and 6.6 rebounds over 14 conference games. He shot 56 percent from the field including 38 percent from three-point range. Against conference opponents he ranked in the top ten in the league in scoring, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free throws, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Cole Jr. is the first Beaver to win the award since 2006 when Zak Allan won the award.

Troy Cole Jr. was named the 2023 SLIAC Newcomer of the Year this week. The freshman for Blackburn started in all 26 games this season, and is the first Blackburn player to win the award since Zak Allan, who won the award in 2006.

Cole Jr. averaged 16.4 points per game during conference play this season, as well as 6.6 rebounds per game. The freshman from Donaldsonville, Louisiana, shot 56 percent on field goals, and 38 percent on three-pointers. 

During conference play, Cole Jr. was in the SLIAC top ten in scoring. He was also top ten in the SLIAC  in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free throws, rebounds, steals, and blocks. It's safe to say Cole Jr. made a name for himself during his freshman season.

After just one season with the Beavers, Cole Jr. has quite the stat line. He shot 147-283 on field goals this season, and 34-87 from behind the arc. He finished the season with 381 points, 163 rebounds, 36 assists, 33 steals and twelve blocks. Without a doubt, Cole Jr. will be a player to keep an eye on in the future seasons of Blackburn Basketball.

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