BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – For the fourth time this season and in the last six awards, Union University men’s basketball forward Judson Bjornstad has been named the Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Week, the GSC announced Tuesday.
Bjornstad averaged 4.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in Union’s games at Valdosta State and West Florida on Thursday and Saturday of last week, including a six-point, six-rebound night at the Blazers–the #19 team in Division II–in which he recorded a block, a steal and two assists.
Bjornstad’s fourth award, which is presented by Truist, joins Union’s growing collection of recent Freshman of the Week honors. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, the Bulldogs have claimed 13 of 24 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, who has started and scored in every game for Union this season, averages 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds–fifth and third on the team, respectively. He has 10 blocks and 25 assists (both tied for second) and is shooting .838 (31-37) at the line. Bjornstad, 6’8″, hasn’t missed a free throw in his last six games (14-14).
Through 15 contests, the Murfreesboro, Tennessee, product has scored six or more points on a dozen occasions, dropped 10-plus five times, and had a season-high of 17 at AUM on December 19. Bjornstad has grabbed five or more boards 10 times.
Bjornstad and the Bulldogs are home this weekend to host Lee (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.) and Trevecca Nazarene (Saturday, 4:00 p.m.) in the Fred DeLay Gymnasium. General Admission is free as a courtesy of FirstBank.
