SEWARD, Neb. – He’s been the top player in the GPAC all regular season and nothing has changed in the postseason. For his efforts in the GPAC quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, Concordia University, Nebraska Men’s Basketball senior Tristan Smith was named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports GPAC Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week by the league office on Tuesday (March 4). Smith has raked in seven GPAC Player of the Week awards (of the team’s 10 weekly honors) during the 2024-25 season.
The GPAC honors sweep for Smith comes on the heels of him breaking the program record for points in a single game. The Elizabeth, Colo., native poured in 48 points on 19-for-26 shooting from the field and 10-for-12 shooting from the foul line as part of the team’s 101-81 GPAC quarterfinal win over Midland. Smith added 10 rebounds and four assists in that victory. Three days later, Smith posted 20 points, 16 rebounds and two blocked shots in the 67-61 GPAC semifinal win over 13th-ranked Northwestern. Defensively, Smith helped limit the Red Raiders’ star post player to 4-for-18 shooting from the floor.
Among GPAC players, Smith ranks first in field goal percentage (.706), second in blocks (1.6), third in assists (4.1), third in rebounding (8.3), fourth in scoring average (21.0) and eighth in steals (1.6). In 109 career collegiate games, Smith has totaled 1,529 points, 720 rebounds, 230 assists, 127 blocks and 108 steals.
Next up, the Bulldogs will host the GPAC Championship Game at 6 p.m. CT on Tuesday (March 4). Morningside will make a visit to Friedrich Arena as Concordia vies for the fifth GPAC tournament title in program history.
Smith 2024-25 GPAC honors:
Offensive Player of the Week: Nov. 20, Dec. 17, Jan. 14 and March 4
Defensive Player of the Week: Jan. 28, Feb. 18 and March 4