Southern Miss’ Isaac Tavares Named Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Isaac Tavares of the University of Southern Mississippi has been named the Sun Belt preseason Player of the Year by Blue Ribbon Magazine. The senior forward earned the honor after averaging 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 51.5% from the field, according to the publication.

Tavares also contributed 2.3 assists per contest and was selected to the preseason Blue Ribbon All-Sun Belt team. He hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Golden Eagles were predicted to finish fourth in the Sun Belt Conference, behind Arkansas State, James Madison, and Troy, in the league’s preseason rankings. Joining Tavares on the All-Sun Belt team were Peyton Law of South Alabama, Adonte’ Holiman of Old Dominion, Tameron Ferguson of Arkansas State, and Jamyron Keller of Louisiana.

Southern Miss continues preparations for the upcoming season, with several key events and staff additions announced recently, including their return to the Pensacola Invitational and the addition of staff member Kailex Stephens for the 2026-27 season.

Source: Original Article