BROCKPORT, NY – After playing a pivotal role in a perfect 2-0 week for the Golden Eagles, the Empire 8 Conference announced on Monday, January 5th, that freshman Pharell Aybar has been named the Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week. This marks the third time this season the Washington Heights, NY native has captured the conference's weekly freshman accolade.

Aybar was a catalyst in Brockport's successful home stand, providing steady playmaking and disruptive defensive energy that have become his hallmarks. Over the two-game stretch, he averaged 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals, helping the Golden Eagles remain undefeated on their home hardwood at the Jim and John Vlogianitis Gymnasium.

The freshman's week began with a selfless floor-general performance in a victory over Penn State Behrend, where he tallied five points and five assists while grabbing two rebounds and a steal. He followed that up with a scoring clinic in a dominant 85-64 statement win against La Roche University to ring in the 2026 calendar year. Against the Redhawks, Aybar was nearly automatic, netting 12 points on an efficient 60% shooting from the floor, complemented by four rebounds and two steals.

As the season progresses, Aybar has solidified his role as a backcourt anchor for the Green and Gold. On the season, the freshman is averaging 8.4 points per game on a solid 44.6% shooting from the field. His impact is felt across the entire box score, as he currently leads the Golden Eagles with a team-high 3.1 assists and 2.0 steals per game, while also contributing 3.2 rebounds per contest. Through the first two months of his collegiate career, Aybar's balance of high-energy perimeter defense and offensive facilitation has provided the Golden Eagles with a reliable identity in the backcourt.

With a 2-0 start to the new year and a perfect record at The Vlog, Brockport is finding its rhythm at the right time. The Golden Eagles are now set to begin conference action, kicking off their Empire 8 slate against Elmira College. 

The matchup is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6th, at 7:30 p.m., where Aybar and the Golden Eagles will look to carry their momentum into league play and continue their winning streak.