Eastern Wayne Today

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) announced its 2023-24 postseason awards, recognizing three members of the Wayne State University men's basketball team. Rob Lee, Jr., a freshman from Flint, Michigan, was named GLIAC Freshman of the Year. Carmelo Harris, also from Flint, received Second Team honors, and Ray Williams, Jr. from Detroit was included in the All-Defensive Team.

Lee made history as the first Wayne State player to receive the GLIAC Freshman of the Year award. He led all GLIAC rookies in points per game during conference matches with an average of 12.6 and improved his overall season average to 9.5 points per game. Lee's performance included scoring in double figures for 13 consecutive games at the end of the regular season and achieving a career-high of 22 points against Saginaw Valley State.

Coach Smothers praised Lee's development: "Robert has earned this award through his natural-born ability, work ethic and his willingness to be coachable."

Sophomore Carmelo Harris led Wayne State in scoring with an average of 12.8 points per game and topped the league in free throw percentage at 88.4 percent. He started all 27 games alongside Williams and scored double figures in 18 games.

"Carmelo was a consistent producer for us this season," said Coach Smothers.

Ray Williams, Jr., a senior from Detroit, was recognized for his defensive contributions. He led Wayne State in rebounds per game with an average of 5.9 and achieved two double-doubles during the season.

Coach Smothers commented on Williams' role: "Ray is a great glue guy for our team."

The achievements of these players contributed significantly to Wayne State's success this season.