PORTLAND, Ore. - The Great Northwest Athletic Conference announced their 2024-25 GNAC Men's Basketball all-conference teams and individual awards. The Nanooks were represented by three student-athletes this season.

Isaiah Saams-Hoy led the way for Alaska, being named to the Second-Team All-Conference. The 6-4 guard from San Jose, Calif. led the Nanooks on both sides of the court this year. He led the Nanooks with 16.2 points per game while picking up a team-high 43 steals. Only on three occasions did he not score in double-digits for the Nanooks, including seven 20+ point performances and a double-double performance. He posted a career-high 28 points on Nov. 11 at Chaminade, and grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds at Saint Martin's, adding 26 points in the win. 

Coach Ostanik on Saams-Hoy
"Isaiah earned this recognition by being such a good player at both ends of the floor. His shooting percentage and ability to score at all three levels is unique. I don't think there is a better mid-range player in the league. At the defensive end Isaiah is incredible. I was very surprised he wasn't named Defensive Player of the Year. No guard in our league is as good at staying in front of the ball, blocking shots, and creating turnovers. This recognition is well earned."

Chris Lee was the second Nanooks student-athlete named to the GNAC All-Conference team. He earned an Honorable Mention honor in his first year with the Nanooks. Lee was second on the team in scoring, posting 396 total points for 15.2 points per game. He also grabbed 3.7 rebounds per game, dished the second-most assists with 93, and had 26 steals, good for second. Lee played in all but one game this season and scored in double-digits in 22 of 26 games and seven 20+ performances. He scored a season-high 28 points on Nov. 23 against Multnomah and posted an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double on Feb. 27 at Saint Martin's. 

Coach Ostanik on Lee
"Chris is a unique player who has carried us offensively to some big wins. While everyone recognizes how good Chris is on the offensive end of the court, his defense has improved dramatically and I believe played a significant role in his earning this recognition."

Paul Johnson was the final Nanooks student-athlete named to the All-Conference team. He too earned an Honorable Mention nod after playing and starting in 22 games this season. He was third on the team in scoring, completing the big three for the Nanooks this season. He averaged 14.6 points on 322 total points, and was one of the most efficient scorers for Alaska and in the GNAC this season. He shot 48.8% from the floor, with half of his makes coming from beyond the arc. The senior shot 46.5% from three, going 59-127 from deep. He added 2.1 rebounds per game, had 46 assists and six steals. Johnson had five 20-point performances, including 29 in the season-opener against Chaminade and 28 at Saint Martin's on Feb. 27. He went 10-17 from the floor and 7-10 from three, helping the Nanooks pull out the 4OT win. 

Coach Ostanik on Johnson
"I'm very happy for Paul. As a senior, and three year player in our program, Paul has been through a lot. I think he has demonstrated himself to be one of, if not the best, shooters in our league. However, Paul is more than a shooter, he takes care of the ball, defends and is by all accounts, a great leader. Paul is simply a very good basketball player."

2024-25 GNAC Men's Basketball Special Awards
GNAC Player of the Year - Cavin Holden, Central Washington
GNAC Defensive Player of the Year - Yaru Harvey, Northwest Nazarene
GNAC Newcomer of the Year - Kye Dickson, Northwest Nazarene
GNAC Freshman of the Year - Grant Kepley, Western Washington
GNAC Coach of the Year - Brandon Rinta, Central Washington

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