Lake Superior State's men's basketball team announced its 2025-26 team award winners at its annual end-of-season banquet, recognizing the team's top contributors over the past year.

Omar Suleiman was named Team MVP for his outstanding performances during the past campaign. The Canton, MI native averaged 17.5 points per game and thrilled Laker fans with his exhilarating play. Suleiman scored a career-high 44 points on March 4th in a 93-91 overtime win over Purdue Northwest in the GLIAC Tournament Quarterfinals, hitting a Laker record 10 three-pointers. Other top performances include 32 points against St. Cloud State on November 21st, 24 points in a blowout win over Roosevelt on January 29th, and 24 points in an outstanding win on Senior Day over highly-ranked Grand Valley State. Suleiman shot 45.1% from the floor, 41.5% from three, 82.4% from the free throw line, ranked third on the team in assists and led the Lakers in blocked shots. He earned All-GLIAC First Team honors for his incredible season.

Redshirt senior forward Kendall Smith, from Muskegon, MI earned the Bud Cooper Coaches Award for his leadership and Laker characteristics. Named for "The Father of Laker Athletics," Ronald "Bud" Cooper, Smith embodied the Laker spirit during his time on campus. A tireless worker from a family of Lakers, Kendall's brother, Chase, served as team manager. Their parents met while attending LSSU as students, as well. Kendall played in 24 games, starting seven this season, averaging 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. A vocal leader from the bench, he regularly set the tone on and off the floor for Head Coach Steve Hettinga's team.

Karter Richards, a redshirt freshman from Grosse Pointe Park, MI, earned the team's Most Improved Player Award. Laker fans watched an incredible rise from Richards in 2025-26. He started the season as a rotational player, but continued earning trust and playing time with solid performances, including a standout 8-for-10 shooting game at Davenport in early December. He shot 8-for-10 at Saginaw Valley State in January and earn3ed a spot in the starting lineup against Roosevelt the following week. Richards never looked back, shooting 50% or better in the next 11 games. His points per game rocketed from 7.2 to 10.2 per contest during that span, becoming a massive threat to opposing teams that they struggled to account for. He scored a career high 25 on February 26th at Wayne State on the final week of the regular season. Richards was named GLIAC Freshman of the Year this season.

The Chris Buell Award, recognizing rebounding and toughness, was awarded to Peter Nwoke, from Lagos, Nigeria. The redshirt senior played in 24 games and started six. He was a force on the blocks for LSSU, grabbing key rebounds and playing stout defense in the paint. He averaged 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game for the Lakers and shot 56.9% from the field. He posted five or more rebounds 10 times, snatching a season-high nine boards twice. Late in the season, his floor leadership, communication and toughness around the rim played key roles for LSSU, and the Lakers entered the GLIAC Tournament as the hottest team in the league.

Nino Carter-Smith earned the CJ Robison Award as the team's best defensive player. It's no surprise that the Detroit, MI native earned the honor, after a 71 steal junior season. That total is fourth all-time in Laker history, with only Akaemji Williams taking the ball away from the opponents more than Carter-Smith. He averaged 2.3 steals per game and grabbed 3.2 rebounds per contest, all while tasked with defending against some of the GLIAC's toughest matchups. He also contributed 11 points per game on offense and 4.8 assists per game, often turning those steals into fast-break chances the other way. Carter-Smith's defensive prowess earned him All-GLIAC Second team recognition.

Brimley, MI native Marcus Harris earned the Tom Thornton Award for his perseverance and work as a tremendous teammate. Harris, who starred locally at Brimley High School, has been a staple of the Laker sideline in recent seasons. He regularly spoke of how happy he was to be a Laker, a joy that stood out on every gameday. More than that, he was a visible presence around campus, proudly carrying himself as a Laker basketball player daily. A great human being, Marcus inspired those around him with his love for Lake State, his teammates and coaches. He competed in 10 games for LSSU this season and Laker fans at the Bud Cooper Gym regularly buzzed with anticipation to see him step on to the court.

The Lakers announced that the ETJ Award would go to two players this season. Harrison Sorrelle, from Grand Haven, MI, and Oscoda, MI's Drew Hess split the award. Long the three words that have defined Laker basketball under Hettinga, the award is given to athletes that "Enjoy the Journey" and drive those around them. Sorrelle competed in 31 games, starting all of them. He averaged 12.6 points per game with 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shot 45.5% from the field,. 38.5% from three and 83.9% at the line. A positive force for the team, he scored a career-high 28 against Purdue Northwest on January 2nd, then matched that total at month's end against Wisconsin Parkside. Sorrelle used his length to be a pest on the perimeter and his great character established him as a team leader. Hess played in all 31 games for Lake State, scoring 7.9 points per game. A shooter, he hit 42.8% from the field and 41.7% from deep. He also connected on 91.3% of his free throws. Hess' exuded a bright, vibrant personality, enjoying the journey every day and guiding others on the path, too.

Whether returning to campus for 2026-27 or moving on to the next stages of life, each award winner embodied the spirit of Laker basketball on the court and beyond, contributing to a thrilling 2025-26 campaign.