Alaska Anchorage senior Sylas Williams was tabbed the 2026-27 GNAC preseason player of the year.
Alaska Anchorage senior Sylas Williams was tabbed the 2026-27 GNAC preseason player of the year.

Sylas Williams of UAA tabbed GNAC MBB preseason player of the year

10/20/2026 11:10:14 AM

By: Evan O'Kelly, Associate Commissioner for Communications

PORTLAND, Ore. – Senior forward Sylas Williams from Alaska Anchorage was voted preseason player of the year as he headlined the 2026-27 Great Northwest Athletic Conference men’s basketball preseason all-conference team released on Tuesday.
 
Last year’s GNAC Newcomer of the Year, Williams topped the list of 15 players representing all 10 GNAC schools that comprised the preseason all-stars.
 
2026-27 GNAC Men's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team
Preseason Player of the Year: Sylas Williams, Alaska Anchorage
Name School Position Height Year Hometown (Previous School)
Sylas Williams Alaska Anchorage Forward 6-7 Senior Bothell, Wash. (Skagit Valley Coll.)
Tyriq Luke  Alaska Guard 6-0 Senior Fairbanks, Alaska (Everett CC)
Davis Crilly Alaska Guard/Forward 6-5 Senior Casper, Wyo. (San Jose City Coll.)
Bradley Swillie Central Washington Guard 6-5 Senior Tacoma, Wash. (Bella Vista College Prep)
Braydon Olson Montana State Billings Guard 6-3 Junior Chehalis, Wash. (Western Oregon)
Andrew King Northwest Nazarene Guard 6-4 Senior Phoenix, Ariz. (Youngstown State)
Briggs Ranstrom Northwest Nazarene Forward 6-6 Senior Eagle, Idaho (Rocky Mountain)
Dae’Kwon Watson Saint Martin’s Guard 6-2 Senior Auburn, Wash. (Montana State Northern)
Patrick Kilfoil Saint Martin’s Guard 6-0 Sophomore Portland, Ore. (Jesuit)
Theo McMillan Seattle Pacific Guard 6-2 Senior Camas, Wash. (Camas)
Mikyle Malabuyoc Simon Fraser Guard 5-11 Senior Vancouver, B.C. (Western)
Chris Lee Simon Fraser Guard 6-1 Senior Ketchikan, Alaska (Alaska)
Kavon Bradford Western Oregon Guard 6-1 Junior Portland, Ore. (Northern Arizona)
Grant Kepley Western Washington Guard 6-4 Junior Bellingham, Wash. (Montana)
Trevor White Western Washington Forward 6-7 Junior Attleboro, Mass. (Tabor Academy)
 
 
10690Sylas Williams – University of Alaska Anchorage9986
Forward – 6-7 – Senior – Bothell, Wash. – Skagit Valley College – Jackson High School
Previous Accolades: GNAC Newcomer of the Year (2026) | 2nd Team All-GNAC (2026) | GNAC All-Tournament Team (2026)
 
Williams led the Seawolves with 13.3 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game, 0.9 blocks per game and made 3-pointers with 50 during a standout 2025-26 campaign. His rebounding figure also led the conference a season ago, as he earned GNAC Newcomer of the Year honors after transferring from Skagit Valley College. Williams played a big role in helping lead the Seawolves to the GNAC Championships title game, scoring a season-high 30 points and adding 11 boards in his team’s 87-86, double-overtime win over Alaska in the semifinals. He was a fixture on a UAA team that played its way into the NCAA West Region Championships with a 22-11 overall record last year. Williams is coming off a season in which he recorded 11 double-doubles after being named the NWAC Player of the Year in 2024-25 in his sophomore collegiate season.
 
UAA Head Coach Cameron Turner: “Sylas is a relentless worker who comes in every day and leads by example. His energy and effort are incredibly consistent, and you know exactly what you’re going to get from him every time he steps on the floor. He can make shots, but what really separates him is how hard he competes and how dominant he can be on the glass. Off the court, Sylas is an absolute joy to be around and represents being a Seawolf in the right way.”
 

10687Tyriq Luke – University of Alaska9982
Guard – 6-0 – Senior – Fairbanks, Alaska – Everett Community College – West Valley High School
Previous Accolades: GNAC All-Tournament Team (2026)
 
After missing the 2024-25 campaign, Luke bounced back as one of the Nanooks’ top players as a junior last year. He led the squad and ranked seventh in the GNAC with 15.7 points per game, shooting 44.7% overall and starting all 29 games. Luke was at his best when the stage was biggest, scoring 21 points in his team’s tournament win over Northwest Nazarene and putting forth a heroic, 32-point effort while playing 45 minutes in the double-overtime loss to the Seawolves in the semifinals. Luke made 19 of 30 shots (63.3%) overall in the two GNAC Championships games, on his way to all-tournament recognition. Luke poses a scoring threat on any given night, as evidenced by his career-high 38 points in an important 101-97 win over Montana State Billings on Feb. 21.
 
UAF Head Coach Frank Ostanik: “It took Tyriq most of the season last year to play to the level he is capable of, simply due to taking a year off to fight cancer. The last three weeks of the season he got his feet under him and demonstrated himself to be one of the best players in the GNAC. Tyriq has worked really hard to improve and fully grasps what it means to play hard and defend on every possession. When you couple that understanding with his ability to score, it's easy to see why we are excited for his senior season.”
 
10694Davis Crilly – University of Alaska
Guard/Forward – 6-5 – Senior – Casper, Wyo. – San Jose City College – Kelly Walsh High School
Previous Accolades: Honorable Mention All-GNAC (2026)
 
A key starter for an Alaska team that reached the GNAC Championships semifinals, Crilly returns to the Nanooks’ lineup as another key leader this season. He ranked third on the squad last year with 13.7 points per game and second on the team with 6.1 rebounds per game while averaging 30.4 minutes on the floor. Crilly’s first season with the Nanooks features three double-doubles and his consistency on the court led to honorable mention all-conference recognition at the end of the campaign. He reached 20 points on five different occasions, including a season-best 21 points on Feb. 14 against Alaska Anchorage. Crilly also poses a threat from the arc, shooting 37.5% on the season. His 4-for-6 performance from long range at the GNAC Championships helped propel the Nanooks to a first-round upset of No. 3 seed Northwest Nazarene last March.
 
UAF Head Coach Frank Ostanik: “Davis has always been a very skilled and talented player, but what sets him apart from others is his willingness to listen to feedback and embrace getting better. His mental toughness has grown by leaps and bounds and he has clearly put in the time on the court and in the weight room. We are very confident Davis will take a big step forward and be the player and leader we need him to be.”
 

10686Bradley Swillie – Central Washington University6340
Guard – 6-5 – Senior – Tacoma, Wash. – Bella Vista College Prep
Previous Accolades: Honorable Mention All-GNAC (2026)
 
A true senior who begins his fourth season at Central Washington, Swillie returns as one of the team’s key leadership figures. He is the only player on the Wildcats’ roster who was on both the 2024 GNAC Championships-winning squad and the 2024-25 regular-season title winners, as he helped bring CWU its second of each trophy earlier in his career. Last season, Swillie ranked second on the team and 12th in the conference with 14.6 points per game, while adding 3.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. Swillie reached the 20-point mark in three of his final five contests of the year, including 22 points in his team’s defeat against top-seeded Saint Martin’s at the GNAC Championships. Swillie enters his senior season on the cusp of the 1,000-point club, having totaled 920 points (11.2 ppg) and 194 assists (2.4 apg) in 82 games played at CWU over the last three years.
 
CWU Head Coach Brandon Rinta: “Brad has had a great three years here at CWU. Last year he took a big step in multiple areas of his game. We are looking forward to that growth continuing this season.”
 

10693Braydon Olson – Montana State University Billings6515
Guard – 6-3 – Junior – Chehalis, Wash. – Western Oregon University – Mark Morris High School
 
After making a notable impact at Western Oregon a season ago, Olson transferred to the Yellowjackets with two years of collegiate experience under his belt. Olson ranked second on the Wolves with 12.0 points per game last year, playing in 26 of 27 contests and earning six starts. Breaking out towards the end of the campaign, Olson finished the year reaching double figures in scoring in six consecutive games. That included a 32-point outburst on 10-for-16 shooting from the arc on Feb. 12 against Western Washington as he tied the third-best single-game 3-point performance in conference history.
 
MSUB Head Coach Luke Fennelly: “We are certainly pleased with the addition of Braydon to the program. He brings GNAC experience and production that will only help us moving forward. He has worked relentlessly this fall to improve his game so we are looking forward to the year Braydon is capable of having as we get ready for the season ahead." 
 

10697Andrew King – Northwest Nazarene University6535
Guard – 6-4 – Senior – Phoenix, Ariz. – Youngstown State/Elon/Houston Christian – Desert Vista High School
 
One of two newcomers to the conference on the preseason list, King will make his debut with the Nighthawks after spending the 2025-26 season at Division I Youngstown State University in Ohio. King saw action in all 32 games, averaging 17.6 minutes primarily off the bench and averaging 2.8 points per game. As a sophomore at Elon University in 2024-25 he averaged 4.7 points in 33 starts and as a freshman at Houston Christian in 2022-23 he produced 9.2 points per game in 17 contests.
 
NNU Head Coach Jon Hawkins: “Drew is an extremely talented facilitator with a high basketball I.Q. and an exceptional feel for the game. He has the ability to be the general on the floor, recognizing problems before they arise and putting his teammates in positions to succeed. He is a natural connector and playmaker who understands how to bring others together and make our team better. We expect Drew to play a tremendous role in leading our team on the floor and helping us reach our goals this season.”
 
10685Briggs Ranstrom – Northwest Nazarene University
Forward – 6-6 – Senior – Eagle, Idaho – Idaho State University – Rocky Mountain High School
Previous Accolades: Honorable Mention All-GNAC (2025)
 
A mainstay in the NNU lineup in his second season with the team, Ranstrom was 1 of 3 players to start all 29 games for the Nighthawks last winter. He led the squad with 6.0 rebounds per game while chipping in 7.9 points in 31.7 minutes on the floor. Ranstrom helped the Nighthawks tie for second in the GNAC standings at 12-6 in conference play, scoring a season-high 20 points in the regular-season finale on Feb. 28 against Western Washington on 8-for-10 shooting. Ranstrom also recorded three double-doubles last season, including a season-high 14 rebounds on Jan. 3 against Central Washington. In two seasons at NNU, Ranstrom has started all 55 games he has played in and has averaged 8.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.9 blocks per game.
 
NNU Head Coach Jon Hawkins: “Briggs is the heart of our team. He has a unique ability to recognize what our team needs and step in to fill those gaps, often without being asked. He sets the tone every day through his leadership, toughness and willingness to give everything he has for the guys around him. As we head into the 2026–27 season, Briggs will continue to be a driving force behind our team's identity and the standard we want to uphold every day.”
 

10688Dae’Kwon Watson – Saint Martin’s University9151
Guard – 6-2 – Senior – Auburn, Wash. – Montana State Northern – Auburn High School
Previous Accolades: Second-Team All-GNAC (2026)
 
The Saints’ fourth GNAC regular-season title came in large part thanks to Watson’s presence in the lineup, as he ranked third on the squad at 12.8 points per game while adding 3.4 rebounds per game last season. After injuries limited him to just eight contests in his debut season at SMU in 2024-25, Watson bounced back to play in 25 contests including 17 starts last winter. His signature scoring performance came in the form of a 30-point effort against Stanislaus State on Nov. 26 which was 1 of 6 games in which he scored 20 or more points last season. Watson was also instrumental in the Saints’ NCAA opening-round win over Hawaii Pacific, scoring 18 points in the 75-68 triumph.
 
Watson on the Saints: "First, looking at our team, I feel very confident with who we have in the program. I believe we are a talented group, and having a core group of returners, our chemistry will be great going into the season. The team is willing to learn and understands what needs to happen in order for us to be successful.”
 
10696Patrick Kilfoil – Saint Martin’s University
Guard – 6-0 – Sophomore – Portland, Ore. – Jesuit High School
Previous Accolades: GNAC Championships MVP (2026) | GNAC All-Tournament Team (2026)
 
Delivering an unforgettable performance at the 2026 GNAC Championships, Kilfoil was named MVP of the tournament as he helped lead the Saints to their first-ever tournament trophy. Kilfoil poured in 23 points in the championship game to lead SMU past Alaska Anchorage 74-62, and he made 9 of 15 threes (60.0%) while averaging 17.5 points across the two tournament contests. Kilfoil started 30 of 32 games as a true freshman last year, averaging 9.6 points, 2.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 41.7% overall. Kilfoil reached double figures in scoring 15 times last season, including a season-high 35 points on Jan. 24 in a 40-minute effort against Northwest Nazarene.
 
Kilfoil on the Saints: “I think we are going to be a great team this year. I like all of the guys on the roster. We have a lot of length and athleticism, and we are hungry to compete and win."
 

10691Theo McMillan – Seattle Pacific University6362
Guard – 6-2 – Senior – Camas, Wash. – Clark College – Camas High School
Previous Accolades: Honorable Mention All-GNAC (2026)
 
Making his return to Seattle Pacific last season, McMillan had a productive campaign starting all 25 games that he played in. He ranked fifth on the team with 9.4 points per game, helping the Falcons tie for fourth in the GNAC standings and earn a spot in the conference tournament. McMillan led the GNAC last year with 5.6 assists per game and ranked third in the league with an assist-turnover ratio of 2.4. He also paced the Falcons with 6.4 rebounds per game, ranking him fifth in the conference. McMillan had three or more assists in all but four games last season and reached his season best of nine assists on three occasions. He completed three double-doubles on the year and was regularly in the neighborhood of a triple-double with well-rounded statistical performances.
 
SPU Head Coach Keffrey Fazio: “I am a huge Theo fan. He is such a tough competitor for us. He provides great leadership throughout our program, and he is a tremendous student-athlete. Last year he was able to show the league how impactful he can be on the court. This year we hope he picks up right where he left off and continues to lead our team.”
 

10699Mikyle Malabuyoc – Simon Fraser University6577
Guard – 5-11 – Senior – Vancouver, B.C. – Western University – Vancouver College
Previous Accolades: Honorable Mention All-GNAC (2026)
 
One of the Red Leafs’ top returners from last season, Malabuyoc ranked second on the squad at 12.9 points per game and was second in the GNAC at 5.4 assists per game. On his way to earning honorable mention all-conference, Malabuyoc started 27 of 28 games while averaging 32.2 minutes and shooting 44.4% from the floor overall. He chipped in 2.3 rebounds per game and finished the year strong with his two highest assist totals (11 on Feb. 21 and 10 on Feb. 28) coming in his final three games of the year. Malabuyoc also delivered a trio of 20-point performances, including a season-best 21 on Nov. 22 against Westminster.
 
SFU Head Coach Barnaby Craddock: “Mikyle enters his second GNAC season coming off honorable mention selection in his debut year. After a strong offseason of preparation and development, he is ready to help the 2026–27 Red Leafs compete in a tough and balanced GNAC conference. Bringing a combination of perimeter shooting, playmaking, leadership, and composure, Mikyle is poised to play a key role for this year’s SFU team.”
 
10698Chris Lee – Simon Fraser University
Guard – 6-1 – Senior – Ketchikan, Alaska – University of Alaska – Ketchikan High School
Previous Accolades: Honorable Mention All-GNAC (2025)
 
After spending the 2024-25 campaign with the Alaska Nanooks, Lee will suit up for the Red Leafs this winter. He was a productive presence in his first GNAC season, earning honorable mention all league after starting 27 games and ranking 11th in the conference with 14.8 points per game. Lee showed a prolific scoring ability in his season in Fairbanks, reaching 20 points on seven occasions including a season-high 28 points on Nov. 23, 2024 against Multnomah. Lee also contributed 3.4 assists per game and 3.6 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 season.
 
SFU Head Coach Barnaby Craddock: “Chris Lee joins SFU motivated and ready to return to competition after having earned GNAC honorable mention recognition during the 2024–25 season. The Alaska native is a dynamic guard who can create his own shot as well as create for others. Along with his offensive abilities Chris will bring valuable veteran leadership and a team-first mentality to this year’s Red Leafs squad.”
 

10692Kavon Bradford – Western Oregon University6384
Guard – 6-1 – Junior – Portland, Ore. – Northern Arizona University/Buffalo – Benson High School
 
Set for his first season in Monmouth, Bradford played in 24 games and started seven last season at NCAA Division I Northern Arizona University. Bradford contributed 4.9 points per game last season while shooting 44.3 % overall from the floor. He reached his season high of a dozen points in five different games, including a season-best 5-for-6 shooting game on Dec. 21. Bradford spent his freshman season at Buffalo, where he averaged 4.1 points per game across 29 contests in 2024-25.
 
WOU Head Coach Ryan Orton: “Kavon is a talented basketball player with outstanding leadership skills, court vision and a strong competitive spirit. He possesses the character, work ethic and commitment that align with our program's mission. We believe Kavon will make an immediate impact both on and off the court. We are looking forward to helping him continue his development as a student-athlete.”
 

10695Grant Kepley – Western Washington University6347
Guard – 6-4 – Junior – Bellingham, Wash. – University of Montana – Sehome High School
Previous Accolades: GNAC Freshman of the year (2025) | Honorable Mention All-GNAC (2025)
 
After a standout debut season with the Vikings two years ago, Kepley spent the 2025-26 campaign at NCAA Division I Montana. He played in 28 games earning 10 starts for the Grizzlies, posting averages of 6.2 points, 2.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game. He was voted the GNAC Freshman of the Year after a 2024-25 season that saw him average 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He was a regular double-digit scorer in his first season with the Vikings, reaching a career-best 24 points on Feb. 6, 2025 against Montana State Billings.
 
WWU Head Coach Tony Dominguez: “We are excited about the opportunity to have Grant back with our program. He is an exceptional player and leader which will enhance our team greatly. He has a versatile skillset that allows him to affect the game in many ways. His toughness and grit really are focal points for his leadership and desire to do well.”
 
10689Trevor White – Western Washington University
Forward – 6-7 – Junior – Attleboro, Mass. – Tabor Academy
 
Set to begin his third season with the Vikings, White has provided steady production halfway through his collegiate career. Across 52 games including 29 starts since debuting in the fall of 2024, White is averaging 9.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting at a clip of 48.3%. His sophomore campaign was highlighted by a season-high 25 points on Nov. 19 against Chaminade and a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double on Feb. 14 against No. 18 Saint Martin’s. White reached double digits in scoring on eight occasions last season.
 
WWU Head Coach Tony Dominguez: “Trevor brings a sense of stability and skill to our team. He has a strong desire for success and has improved in many different aspects of the game. His offensive skillset and added strength should help us at several positions. Trevor has worked tirelessly, in all areas, to become an even more complete player and we are thrilled to see his hard work in action on the court this season.”