Malik Bryant was announced NJCAA Region X DII Player of the Year on Thursday. Wearing number 24 for Louisburg College the Fort Mill, South Carolina native had play cut short in both years of his junior college career. 

As a freshman, Bryant missed 10 games due to injury and then--after making it to NJCAA Nationals in Danville, Illinois--the Hurricanes' season ended abruptly due to COVID-19. The virus continued to limit Bryant's chances in the 2020-21 season as the Hurricanes only played a total of 18 games. In any case, Bryant finished his 41 game career with 687 points. He was so difficult to guard that often opposing players only had the option to foul when trying to keep him in front of them. In his two years at Louisburg, Bryant attempted 220 free throws.

"Malik's ability to score even made it hard to rep our defensive rotations in practice as he would often score over 2 and 3 guys," said Coach Bryan Bagwell.

Bryant remembers his teammates this way, "The competitiveness my team brought everyday made me a better player and made the game easier for me. Throughout the whole journey with this team we have built a bond and I look at them as the brothers I never had." 

In his Player of the Year season Bryant finished second in the country in scoring, averaging 25.1 points per game. He was 167-279 (60%) from the floor, including 20-59 (34%) from beyond the 3 point arc. Bryant made 99 free throws, collected 4.5 rebounds per game, 2.2 assists per game, and 2.2 steals per game. Due to the efforts of Bryant and his teammates, Louisburg College finished third in regular season play.

"Winning Region Player of the Year was one of my goals this year," said Bryant. "I thank God for allowing me to work towards the things that I love. Working so hard during the off-season and preseason is what led to me being in this position. From where I was last year to now I've accomplished a lot on and off the court. Also, big shoutout to Joe on being named 3rd team All-Region." 

Bryant will graduate from Louisburg College this May and will be transferring to attend a 4-year university.

"I really enjoyed coaching Malik. He had a great career here," commented Coach Bagwell. "I wish that I could have done more for him, but he has done his work and is prepared to step in and play rigth away wherever he goes next."