By: Mark Wasik
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Three Kennesaw State men's basketball players claimed season honors from Conference USA, the league office announced on Monday afternoon, led by
RJ Johnson's selection to the All-Conference USA First Team.
Braedan Lue was one of five players named to the CUSA All-Defensive squad, while
Trey Simpson was selected to the CUSA All-Freshman team.
The Owls finished the regular season with an 18-13 overall record, the third-most wins in school history (D1 era), while also recorded 10 conference victories, marking the first time KSU has ever recorded double-digit conference wins in back-to-back years.
Johnson, a redshirt sophomore guard from Huntsville, Ala., became the most explosive scorer in Conference USA after taking over the starting point guard role for KSU in mid-January. In games played since Jan. 14, he ranked in the top eight in the league in scoring (3
rd at 19.0 ppg), assists (4th at 5.13 apg), assist/turnover ratio (5
th at 2.26), three-pointers made (6
th 2.47 per game), and field goal percentage (8
th at 45.9%). He recorded the first-ever back-to-back 30+ point games in KSU history, and a total of eight 20+ point games in CUSA action. His five 25+ point performances are tied for the most ever by an Owl in conference play. He was named both CUSA Player of the Week and to the USBWA National Team of the Week after scoring 26 points in a home win over FIU and a career-high 32 points in a road win at Western Kentucky.
Lue, a forward from Douglasville, Ga., has helped the Owls post the second-best field goal defense in the conference, allowing opponents to shoot just 40.9% from the floor, which currently is the best mark in school history. A strong defensive presence in the post, he is second in CUSA in blocks per game with 1.52, and his 47 blocks on the season are the third-most ever in KSU history (D1 era). He also ranks 19
th in the conference in rebounding with 5.5 per contest, while his 11.4 ppg is the second-best on the squad.
Simpson, a first-year player from Evergreen, Ala., has been a huge addition for the Owls on both the offensive and defensive end. The forward has started in 18 of 20 conference contests, and in league play averaged 8.3 points per game, fifth-best on the team. He's one of the top three-pointer shooters for KSU as well, having made 36 treys, and is adding 4.6 rebounds per contest also. Currently third in CUSA with 1.6 blocks per game in league play, he has totaled 38 for the season, fourth-best in a season in KSU history. Simpson also claimed a total of four CUSA Freshman of the Week awards during the year.
KSU will be the No. 6 seed in this week's CUSA Tournament, and will open in the quarterfinals against third seed Western Kentucky on Thursday, March 12. The game will tip off at 9 pm (ET) and will be streamed live on ESPN+. The winner of that contest will advance to the semifinal round on Friday, March 13 at 3 p.m. (ET), while the championship game is set for Saturday, March 14 at 9:30 p.m. (ET). Both semifinal contests and the championship game in the CUSA Tournament will be on the CBS Sports Network.
Kennesaw State
2025-26 All-Conference USA Honors
CUSA First Team All-Conference
RJ Johnson
CUSA All-Defensive Team
Braedan Lue
CUSA All-Freshman Team
Trey Simpson
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
