The Illinois Wesleyan University men’s basketball team announced its postseason awards on April 19, recognizing standout players and celebrating the team’s accomplishments for the season. Head coach Ron Rose presented the honors at an end-of-season banquet, with Noah Cleveland named Most Valuable Player.
The recognition comes after a strong year for the Titans, who finished with a 26-5 record and won both the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin regular season and tournament titles in the same year for the first time. The team reached the Elite Eight in postseason play, achieving its deepest run since 2022 and earning a No. 7 national ranking.
Cleveland led the team in scoring with an average of 18.8 points per game and rebounding with 11.3 per game. He received several accolades including D3hoops.com First Team All-America, NABC First Team All-America, D3hoops.com Region 8 Rookie of the Year, as well as being named both Most Outstanding Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year by unanimous vote in conference play. Cleveland also set program records for most CCIW Player of the Week awards in a single season.
Twelve student-athletes were awarded letters this year, seven of whom are expected to return next season. Seniors Karlo Colak and Nathan Boldt served as captains during what was described as one of their best seasons since their last deep postseason run.
The Titans have previously captured NCAA Division III national championships in 1997 and 2001 according to their official website. The team plays home games on campus in Bloomington, Illinois according to their official website, competes under green and white colors using “Titans” as their nickname according to their official website, participates in intercollegiate athletics according to their official website, and is part of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin according to their official website.
Looking ahead, Rose said that seven letter-winners are set to return next season.
