Bibbs, Ashley Named to the HBCUAC All Preseason Team

NEW ORLEANS, La. (October 9, 2024) – Today, the HBCU Athletic Conference announced their Preseason All-Conference Basketball Teams, and Fisk University's Jayla Bibbs and Michael Ashley were honored. Bibbs, a first team recipient, was named to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference's All Defensive and Second Team. The Buchanan, Michigan native averaged 8.8 points per game last season, with eight games with double doubles in points and rebounds.

Ashley received second team honors. The Atlanta native played out of position but still averaged 8.0 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game. His rebound average placed him seventh among all HBCU players.

Their skills on the court, leadership, and dedication have earned them these honors. Both players will be the key to success for each program.

Women's Basketball All-HBCUAC First Team

Preseason Player of the Year: Cassidy Lowe, Dillard

Jordan Harris, SUNO

Jayla Bibbs, Fisk

Trenisha Adams, Oakwood

Ari Winston, Philander Smith

Second Team

Ashukamayah Phillips, Virgin Islands

Farrah Pearson, Stillman College

Dasia Turner, Philander Smith

La'Daja Caldwell, Talladega College

Morgan Williams, Tougaloo College

Men's Basketball All-HBCUAC First Team

Preseason Player of the Year: Jamal Gibson, SUNO

Raymond Reece, Philander Smith

Tory Cargo, Dillard

Antonio Patterson, Tougaloo

Tyon Thompson, SUNO

Second Team

Jalil Langston, Virgin Islands

Demarius Pitts, Wiley

Armond Williams, Dillard

Amorey Womack, Philander Smith

Michael Ashley, Fisk

Lady Bulldogs Picked Second, Men Picked Ninth in Preseason Poll

In the preseason polls, the Fisk Lady Bulldogs were picked to finish second behind Philander Smith University. The Lady Bulldogs lost All American Maya Buckhanan, but return three starters in Jayla Bibbs, Laila Eliotti, and A'Niya Young. Head Coach Victoria Crawford's squad made it to the NAIA postseason tournament for the first time in school history.

New head coach Jeremiah Crutcher has brought new energy to the North Nashville campus. Returners, Michael Ashley and Mitchel Seay are the only starters from last year's team on the roster. The five other returners include Carrington Allen, Jeremiah Armstead, Justin McNelkan, Solomon Mustafa-Reid, and Chris Spears.

Women's Poll

1. Philander Smith 154 (7)

2. Fisk 140 (2)

3. Stillman 131 (1)

4. Dillard 129

5. Oakwood 94 (1)

6. Tougaloo 91

7. Talladega 89

8. Rust 79 (1)

9. Voorhees 72

10. Wiley 68

11. SUNO 54

12. Wilberforce 45 (1)

13. Virgin Islands 37

Men's Poll

1. Philander Smith 140 (4)

2. Tougaloo 129 (4)

3. Talladega 116

4. Dillard 113 (2)

5. Stillman 110 (1)

6. SUNO 97

7. Wiley 92 (1)

8. Rust 65

9. Fisk 62

10. Voorhees 51

11. Virgin Islands 40

12. Wilberforce 39

13. Oakwood 38