They got game: Watch these top players from Div. I Black colleges

With the start of the college basketball season, players in historically Black athletic conferences are preparing to put their talents on display. Here are some players to watch from Division I historically Black colleges and universities.

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

Diamond Johnson, Norfolk State University

Last season Diamond Johnson earned MEAC Newcomer of the Year and MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Performer honors. She was named MEAC Preseason Player of the Year on Oct. 8. Although Johnson is a smaller guard at 5-feet-5, she has proven herself to be a dependable scorer and passer for the Norfolk State offense. Despite playing only 23 games last season because of her transfer from North Carolina State University, Johnson’s average 20.2 points would’ve led the conference in scoring. Johnson and forward Kierra Wheeler helped lead the Spartans back to the NCAA tournament, and they’re returning this season with the same goal.

Destiny Howell, Howard University 

Graduate guard Destiny Howell spent all of last season recovering from an ACL tear. Before her injury, Howell was averaging a career-high 16.8 points and 3.8 rebounds. As a junior in 2022-23, Howell earned MEAC Player of the Year honors, and as a sophomore, she was an instrumental piece in Howard’s 2022 NCAA tournament appearance. After falling short in the MEAC tournament last season, the Bison are looking forward to having Howell back and healthy.

Laila Lawrence, Coppin State University 

Laila Lawrence was a walking double-double for Coppin State last season, averaging double-digit points (14.1) and rebounds (10.4). Lawrence earned 2023-24 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording a conference-high 313 rebounds and finishing third in total blocks (37). The 6-foot-2 forward also finished second in the conference in points per game. Lawrence was named to the Preseason All-MEAC First Team on Oct. 8.

Bryce Harris, Howard University

Bryce Harris, a 6-foot-4 guard, was No. 2 in the MEAC in scoring and rebounding a season ago, averaging 16.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Harris is a reliable and consistent shooter for the Howard Bison and led the conference in field goal percentage, shooting 54.7% from the field. After losing forward Shy Odom to the transfer portal this offseason, the Bison expect Harris and guard Marcus Dockery to lead their quest for a third consecutive MEAC tournament championship. Harris was voted MEAC Preseason Player of the Year, and Howard is the preseason favorite to win the conference again.

Po’Boigh King, North Carolina Central University

As a sophomore a year ago, guard Po’Boigh King was a 3-point shooting threat for North Carolina Central University, shooting 33.3% beyond the arc. With the graduation of guard Fred Cleveland Jr., King is the Eagles’ leading returning scorer from a season ago, when he averaged 14.7 points and 4.7 rebounds. King and guard Keishon Porter are key returning starters for the Eagles, who were picked to finish third in the preseason poll. King was named to the Preseason All-MEAC First Team.

Southwestern Athletic Conference

Kintavious Dozier, Grambling State University 

Guard Kintavious Dozier was Grambling State’s leading scorer last season when the Tigers won the SWAC tournament. Dozier averaged 13 points and tied for second on the team in total steals with 37. Entering this season, he was named SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and earned Preseason All-SWAC First Team honors. Dozier is one of two returning starters for the Tigers this season, along with Antwan Burnett.

TJ Madlock, Alabama State University 

TJ Madlock, a 6-foot-3 senior guard, was No. 6 in the SWAC in scoring a season ago, averaging 15.8 points and 4.9 rebounds. In 2022-23, his first season in the SWAC after transferring from South Carolina State University, Madlock was named SWAC Newcomer of the Year. Madlock helped lead Alabama State to the SWAC tournament in 2024 for the first time since 2019, and he has earned Preseason All-SWAC First Team honors.

Alisha Wilson, Alabama A&M University

Forward Alisha Wilson was a consistent scorer and rebounder for Alabama A&M last season. Wilson averaged 9 points while shooting 52.2% from the field. She also led the conference in total rebounds (307) and rebounds (9.9). Wilson earned SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and All-SWAC First Team honors. Expect Wilson to play a large role under new head coach Dawn Thornton, who took over the Bulldogs this offseason after five seasons at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Sh’Diamond McKnight, Mississippi Valley State University

Last season guard Sh’Diamond McKnight ranked fifth in the conference in scoring, averaging 13.4 points, and in total assists (99). McKnight was a strong defender, earning a conference-high 88 steals last season. Although Mississippi Valley State was voted to finish last in the SWAC preseason poll, McKnight earned Preseason All-SWAC First Team honors.

HBCUs in other conferences

Jordyn Dorsey, North Carolina A&T State University

Guard Jordyn Dorsey was a key player in North Carolina A&T State’s Sweet 16 appearance in the women’s NIT last postseason. Dorsey has improved in every single season with the Aggies and finished last season averaging 5.3 rebounds and a team-high 12.9 points. The Aggies will return all five starters from a season ago, and Dorsey was one of four unanimous selections for the Preseason All-CAA First Team. The Aggies were voted as the preseason favorites to win the conference title.

Sanaa’ St. Andre, Tennessee State University

Guard Sanaa’ St. Andre finished sixth in the OVC in scoring last season, averaging 14.9 points. St. Andre, a transfer from Kansas City, led Tennessee State in scoring and steals (56). She also finished second on the team in total assists (45). St. Andre helped lead Tennessee State to the conference quarterfinals and earned 2023-24 All-OVC First Team honors. She will be a vital piece in new Tennessee State coach Candice Dupree’s offense this season.

Landon Glasper, North Carolina A&T 

Despite North Carolina A&T finishing with a 7-25 overall record a season ago, Landon Glasper was a bright spot on the court for the Aggies. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged a team-high 20.9 points, earning All-CAA honors. Glasper was one of two unanimous selections for the Preseason All-CAA First Team.