BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Union University men’s basketball forward Judson Bjornstad has been named the GSC Freshman of the Week for the sixth time, the league office announced Tuesday. Bjornstad’s honor comes after perhaps the best two-game stretch in his collegiate career, in which he averaged 18.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 blocks.
In a Saturday win over AUM, Bjornstad poured in a season-high 26 points on 10-12 shooting and 6-of-8 attempts from beyond the arc. This performance followed his Thursday near-double-double of 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
All told, the freshman shot 15-21 (.714) from the floor and 7-11 (.636) from three. Bjornstad’s hot hand on Saturday resulted in one of just 11 performances by a GSC player this season with at least a half-dozen made triples.
Bjornstad’s sixth award, which is presented by Truist, adds to Union’s disproportionate collection of recent Freshman of the Week honors. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, the Bulldogs have claimed 15 of 28 such designations in a now-12-team league. Apart from Bjornstad, the accolades have been divided between Jordan Pyke (six), Devaki Garr (two) and Parker Applegate (one). Bjornstad and Pyke are now tied for second in total FOTW week awards in GSC history.
Through 22 games, Bjornstad averages 9.2 points and 5.4 rebounds–respectively fifth and third among Bulldogs. His total of 19 blocks is tied for ninth in the conference, while the 30.0 minutes he plays per night have him tied for 21st.
Bjornstad has started and scored in every Bulldog game, posted nine double-figure scoring nights and logged 15 games with five-plus rebounds.
The Bulldogs (12-10, 8-8), who are fifth in the conference standings, will play at West Alabama on Thursday and Alabama Huntsville on Saturday.
