Milwaukee Basketball Standouts Elam and Franklin Earn Horizon League Honors
MILWAUKEE – Stevie Elam and Aaron Franklin of the Milwaukee men’s basketball team have been recognized for their contributions to the Panthers’ season with Horizon League postseason awards, the conference announced on February 26, 2026. Elam was named to the Horizon League All-Freshman Team, even as Franklin received the Horizon League Sportsmanship Award.
Elam Shines in Rookie Campaign
Elam has impressed during his first season with the Panthers, averaging 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Despite missing over a month due to injury, he has started in 11 of his 24 appearances. He boasts a shooting percentage of 35.8% (49-of-137) from three-point range and 84.0% (42-of-50) from the free-throw line. Elam is only the third Panther to be named to the all-freshman team, and the first since Elijah Goodman in 2023.
The freshman has scored in double figures 14 times this season, including two games with 20 or more points: a 21-point performance against Cleveland State on February 1, and a season-high 22 points at Detroit Mercy on February 20.
Franklin Honored for Sportsmanship and Veteran Leadership
Franklin has been a valuable veteran presence for Milwaukee, providing leadership both on and off the court, particularly during a period of team injuries. He averages 6.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, shooting 56.7% (85-of-150) from the field. He has made 21 starts in all 31 games, and his rebound total ranks sixth among Horizon League leaders.
In a standout performance against Cleveland State on February 1, Franklin nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, and a career-high nine assists. The Sportsmanship Award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate ethical behavior and respect during competition.
Horizon League Award Winners
Here’s a look at the full list of Horizon League award winners:
- Player of the Year: DeSean Goode, RMU
- Coach of the Year: Clint Sargent, Wright State
- Newcomer of the Year: TJ Burch, Wright State
- Freshman of the Year: Kellen Pickett, Wright State
- Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Burch, Wright State
- Sixth Man of the Year: Chevalier Emery, Cleveland State
- Sportsmanship Awards: Tre Beard, Cleveland State &. Aaron Franklin, Milwaukee
All-League Teams
All-League First Team
- Orlando Lovejoy, Detroit Mercy
- Brody Robinson, Oakland
- Corey Hadnot II, Purdue Fort Wayne
- DeSean Goode, RMU
- TJ Burch, Wright State
All-League Second Team
- Preston Ruedinger, Green Bay
- Donovan Oday, Northern Kentucky
- Ryan Prather Jr., RMU
- Michael Imariagbe, Wright State
- Cris Carroll, Youngstown State
All-League Third Team
- Dayan Nessah, Cleveland State
- TJ Nadeau, Detroit Mercy
- C.J. O’Hara, Green Bay
- Kyler D’Augustino, IU Indianapolis
- Tuburu Naivalurua, Oakland
All-Freshman Team
- Tyler Spratt, Detroit Mercy
- Stevie Elam, Milwaukee
- Darius Livingston, RMU
- Michael Cooper, Wright State
- Kellen Pickett, Wright State
All-Defensive Team
- Orlando Lovejoy, Detroit Mercy
- Tae Dozier, Northern Kentucky
- Nikolaos Chitikoudis, RMU
- TJ Burch, Wright State
- Imanuel Zorgvol, Youngstown State