SEWARD, Neb. – Three-straight double-doubles last week has led to recognition for Concordia University junior forward Tristan Smith. On Tuesday (Jan. 30), the league named Smith the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men’s Basketball Player of the Week. Smith has earned this award for the first time in his career. The announcement marks the second GPAC weekly honor for a Bulldog this year with Noah Schutte having been lauded back on Dec. 5.
Smith helped lead CUNE to a 3-0 week that included wins over Mount Marty, 92-63, Concordia Ann Arbor, 80-75, and Concordia Wisconsin, 75-69. The Elizabeth, Colo., native Smith produced double-doubles in each of those outings: 18 points and 12 rebounds versus Mount Marty, 16 points and 16 rebounds versus CUAA and 16 points and 12 rebounds versus CUW in the Concordia Invitational Tournament championship game. Smith was named to the 2024 CIT all-tournament team as the program won the CIT championship for the 30th time in history. On the week, Smith also added five assists, three blocks, three steals and made 17-of-24 shots from the floor.
Through 20 games this season, Smith is averaging 17.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. He’s collected nine double-doubles in 2023-24. Among GPAC players, Smith ranks second in rebounding, fourth in field goal percentage (.603) and 10th in scoring. In his three years as a Bulldog, Smith has totaled 717 points, 383 rebounds, 71 blocks and 52 steals.
Smith and the Bulldogs (15-5, 8-4 GPAC) will return to GPAC action on Wednesday with a trip to No. 20 Morningside (14-5, 9-3 GPAC). Tipoff from Sioux City, Iowa, is set for 7:45 p.m. CT.