BOSTON – Okechukwu Okeke and Amir Lindsey headlined the postseason honors for the UAlbany men’s basketball team, as the America East conference announced its annual awards Friday.

Okechukwu Okeke was named the America East Defensive Player of the Year, becoming a focal point of the Great Danes' identity on that end of the floor. A dominant presence in the paint, Okeke led the America East in several categories while making his mark on the national stage. He finished the regular season ranked 25th in the nation with an America East-leading 58 blocks, and 32nd nationally with a conference-best 1.87 blocks per game. His versatility was on full display as he ranked 56th in the country with eight double-doubles, a mark that also paced the conference. Okeke’s impact was equally dominant on the glass, where he hauled in 224 total rebounds (96th nationally) and 2.74 offensive boards per game (94th nationally), both marks ranking second in the America East. He averaged 7.2 rebounds per game (third in the AE) and 4.48 defensive rebounds per game (fourth in the AE). In addition to his Defensive Player of the Year honors and All-Defensive Team selection, Okeke earned a spot on the All-Conference Third Team. Offensively, he was one of the most efficient players in the country, leading the America East with a .685 field goal percentage (146-213) while averaging 10.6 points per game.

Sophomore guard Amir Lindsey earned a spot on the America East All-Conference First Team after a standout season as the team’s primary playmaker. Lindsey led the Great Danes and the America East with a league-best 17.5 points per game, totaling 12 games with 20 or more points. A true ironman, he led the conference and ranked fifth in the nation in minutes, averaging 37.3 minutes per game. Lindsey’s impact extended beyond scoring; his 4.9 assists per game (146 total) ranked second in the conference, which helped the Great Danes lead the America East in fastbreak points (10.9 per game). Showing his versatility, he knocked down 57 three-pointers for a .343 three-point percentage and was a reliable finisher at the line, shooting .792.

Lindsey not only put in work on the court, but off the court too, as he was named to the America East All-Academic Team. Lindsey currently holds a 3.81 GPA and is working towards his degree in Business Managament where the sophomore has been named to the Dean’s list in all three semesters since arriving at UAlbany. To be eligible for the honor, student-athletes must maintain a 3.30 cumulative GPA or better and be a key contributor on the court. 

For the America East release, click here.

Social Central:  Stay up to date with UAlbany men's basketball by following the team on X (@UAlbanyMBB), Instagram (@ualbany_mbb), and the team's official Facebook (UAlbany Men's Basketball) for all of the latest news and highlights throughout the year.