Nijal Pearson already graduated from Texas State and the Sun Belt Conference, but the former Bobcat is still picking up awards.
Pearson was named the league's 2019-20 Male Student-Athlete of the Year on Wednesday.
“First thing I want to say is that I am blessed and grateful to receive this award and to receive it on a date that marks 10 years ago where my brother passed away,” Pearson said in a statement. “It is a blessing to receive the award on a day where I get to honor my brother’s name. For this to top off my career at Texas State is a great achievement to go out with.”
Pearson became the program's all-time leading scorer during his four years at Texas State, accumulating 2,122 points. As a senior, he averaged a conference-high 19.4 points per game and became the Bobcats' first All-American in 41 years.
The guard now plays for Chorale Roanne in the Pro A basketball league, the top-tier professional league in France.
“With everything I have accomplished over the years, for the grand finale to be named the 2020 athlete of the year is just an amazing experience,” Pearson said. “An experience I will never forget. An experience that if I could relive, I would do it all over again the exact same way. It was exciting, it was fun, and I am grateful. Thank you.”
