Union's Turner Earns NAIA All-American Honors

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) had one lone representative on the 2020-21 NAIA Men's Basketball All-American Team, but that one player earned a spot on the first team.

Markelle Turner of Union became the third NAIA All-American First Team selection in program history.

The NAIA announced the NAIA Men's Basketball All-American Team on Thursday.

Turner's 27.5 points-per-game average was second-best in the NAIA this season. Turner was second behind NAIA Player of the Year Ryan Mangas of Indiana Wesleyan, who averaged 29.5 points an outing.

Turner also ranked third in the NAIA in 3-pointers made (92), fifth in total points (632), and fifth in 3-pointers made per game (4.0).

The All-American honor adds to a laundry list of accolades for Turner this season. He was named the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Player of the Year, the AAC Tournament MVP, All-AAC First Team, and the AAC Player of the Week three times.

In addition to his scoring prowess, Turner led the team in assists with 82 and averaged 3.9 rebounds per game. He notched two double-doubles on the year as well.

Union finished the season 13-10 overall and won its eighth consecutive AAC Tournament championship. The Bulldogs advanced to the NAIA National Championship Tournament as well.

To view the entire NAIA All-American Team, click here.