MTU’s Haidar named GLIAC player of the year

Courtesy of MTU Athletics

BAY CITY, Mich. – Senior Ali Haidar was named the GLIAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year and junior Alex Culy earned all-defensive team the league announced Friday (March 8).

Haidar was named player of the year for the second straight year. He has broken four GLIAC records and seven school records this season. The Windsor, Ontario, native broke the league record for points (541) and field goals made (188) in a season. He also established season records for free throws made (158) and attempted (209). His school records include rebounds in a career (860), most 20+ point games in a season (22) and free throws made (18) and attempted (20) in a game. Haidar, who ranks fifth in career scoring (1,885) at Michigan Tech, ranks second in the nation in scoring (25.2 ppg) and tied for 16th in rebounding (9.7 rpg).

“Ali is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached, and this is an honor for him,” said head coach Kevin Luke. “He has put a lot of time in on his game, and it is nice seeing players rewarded for their hard work.”

Culy was honored with all-defensive team honors for the second straight season. The Rice Lake, Wis., native averaged 6.9 points per game and ranked second in the GLIAC in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.8). He has 78 assists and 24 steals this season.

“Alex is very deserving of this award,” said Luke. “He does a great job in practice and games. He is a great leader and gets our defense going.”

The Huskies will host Findlay in the GLIAC Tournament semifinals Saturday (March 8) at 1 pm.