BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — WKU Hilltopper Basketball forward Grant Newell was named to the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Men's Basketball Team, the organization announced Tuesday.Â
The honor recognizes Newell as one of the nation's top student-athletes for his performance both on the court and in the classroom.Â
Of the eight Conference USA student-athletes selected, Newell was the only one tabbed as a CSC Academic All-America Finalist. He will advance to the national ballot, which will be voted on by CSC members. First, second and third team Academic All-America honorees will be announced on Tuesday, April 14.Â
Newell was named All-Conference USA Honorable Mention after providing a steady scoring presence for the Hilltoppers during the 2025-26 season, averaging a career-high 13.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, appearing in all 32 games. He reached double figures in 24 contests, including five 20-point performances.Â
The Chicago, Illinois, native elevated his play down the stretch, averaging 17.8 points and 5.1 rebounds over the final nine games of the season, a span that featured standout showings of 25 points against UTEP, 23 against FIU, 21 at Liberty and 20 against Middle Tennessee. During that surge, he shot an efficient 50.0% from the field, 43.1% from 3-point range and 82.6% at the free throw line. Earlier in the year, Newell turned in a career-best 28-point performance against Tulsa, going 8-of-15 from the floor and 6-of-8 from beyond the arc while adding a season-high nine rebounds in 34 minutes.
CUSA Men's Basketball CSC Academic All-District Honorees
Tyler Houser, Delaware
Zawdie Jackson, FIU
Corey Stephenson, FIU
Colin Porter, Liberty
Chris Loofe, Middle Tennessee
Kobi Williams, Missouri State
Julius Mims, New Mexico State
Grant Newell, WKU*
How to follow WKU Hilltopper Basketball: For complete information on WKU Hilltopper Basketball, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @WKUBasketball on Instagram and X.Â
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