OKLAHOMA CITY -- Five John Brown University men's basketball student-athletes have been named to the 2024-25 All-Sooner Athletic Conference teams, the conference office announced Wednesday afternoon (March 5).
Senior guard Drew Miller headlines the group with a First Team selection, while sophomore guard Trae Oetting landed on the Third Team. Freshman guards Carter Carbonell and Jack Ullom each earned All-Freshman Team recognition, and junior guard Elijah Lawrence was named an honorable mention selection.
"We are so proud of and excited for these guys who have been recognized with these honors," noted head coach Jason Beschta. "It is a testament to how hard they continually work to improve, as well as the significant impact they have had in making our team better this year."
Miller, a repeat All-Conference honoree from last season, paced the Golden Eagles with 16.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game across 29 starts. The senior guard shot 43 percent (164-of-384) from the field and 36 percent (86-of-236) from three-point range, finishing with 86 three-pointers—second-most in the SAC with 69 triples in league play. His standout performance came against Mid-America Christian (Okla.), when he drained six three-pointers en route to 26 points in a win. Miller also delivered a season-high eight triples and 24 points against Nelson (Texas), grabbed 14 rebounds—one of his three double-doubles—against Science & Arts (Okla.), and dished out five assists in another victory over Science & Arts. He finished the season with ten 20-point performances.
"Drew has proven himself to be one of the premier players in our league with his elite shooting and rebounding ability. He has had some massive games for us this year and can hit shots that most players wouldn't even be allowed to take," added Beschta.
Oetting, an All-Freshman Team pick last season, earned Third Team honors with 13.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. The sophomore guard shot 42 percent (128-of-306) from the field and 36 percent (54-of-150) from three-point range, totaling 54 three-pointers across all 29 contests. He posted a career-high 29 points, including three treys, in a road win at College of the Ozarks (Mo.) and registered a season-best four steals against No. 8 Langston (Okla.). Oetting hit double-figure scoring in 23 games, recorded 85 assists—six in a victory at Science & Arts (Okla.)—and notched 34 steals.
Beschta pointed out, "Trae has really had a breakout sophomore year for us! He has the ability to impact the game in countless ways, whether by attacking the rim, hitting clutch shots, or serving as one of our toughest defenders."
Lawrence, in his first season as a starter, garnered honorable mention recognition after averaging 11.4 points per game while shooting 46 percent (122-of-264) from the field and 38 percent (60-of-160) from beyond the arc. The junior guard delivered his best performance of the season with a 24-point outburst at Nelson (Texas), knocking down six three-pointers. He also notched seven rebounds in a win over Wayland Baptist (Texas) and four steals at North Texas at Dallas. Lawrence reached double-digit scoring in 16 games, contributing a reliable scoring presence on the perimeter.
"Elijah stepped right in for us this year and provided an immediate scoring punch, whether coming off the bench or in a starting role. His quick hands and anticipation made him a constant defensive threat," Beschta said.
Carbonell earned an All-Freshman Team nod in his debut year, averaging 5.0 points per game off the bench. The freshman guard shot 46 percent (45-of-99) from the field and 42 percent (32-of-76) from three-point range, finishing with 32 three-pointers over 27 games. His top outing came in a win over Oklahoma Panhandle State, when he knocked down four three-pointers and tallied a season-high 18 points. Carbonell chipped in seven steals on the season and provided a consistent perimeter threat off the bench.
Ullom joined Carbonell on the All-Freshman Team after making an impact on both ends of the floor. The freshman guard averaged 5.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting 48 percent (56-of-118) from the field and 74 percent (26-of-35) from the free-throw line. He posted a season-high 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting at Mid-America Christian (Okla.) and dished out a season-best six assists against Oklahoma City. Ullom also made his presence felt on the glass, pulling down a season-high 10 rebounds at Nelson, while adding two blocks and two steals against Wayland Baptist. His versatility and efficiency provided valuable minutes in his first collegiate campaign.
Added Beschta, "It can be difficult to make an impact in our league as a freshman, given the level of competition night after night, but both Carter and Jack grew in their contributions throughout the season and became reliable players in big moments for us. The future is bright!"
The Golden Eagles finished the 2024-25 season 18-11 overall and 16-8 in SAC play, placing fifth in the league standings before the season came to a close in the Sooner Athletic tournament quarterfinal round.
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Don't miss a minute of the latest action surrounding JBU Athletics by following the Golden Eagles on Twitter (@JBUathletics), Instagram (@JBUathletics) and Facebook (/JBUathletics). Catch every Golden Eagle home game and select away games on the SAC Sports Network, available online or for download on your favorite streaming device.
