BROCKPORT, NY – The Empire 8 Conference announced on Monday, February 23rd, that Brockport freshman Pharell Aybar has been selected as the Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week. This marks the sixth time during his freshman campaign that the Washington Heights, NY native has earned the conference's premier weekly honor for a first-year player.

Aybar was the undisputed engine for the Golden Eagles during a high-stakes week that saw the team transition from a regular-season thriller into a dominant postseason opening. Across two pivotal victories, the freshman standout stuffed the stat sheet, with averages of 18.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, proving once again to be the steadying force for the Green and Gold backcourt.

The week began with a regular-season finale against SUNY Geneseo. Aybar caught fire immediately, going a perfect 5-of-5 from the floor to enter the halftime break with 13 points. He refused to cool off in the second half, finishing with a game-high 23 points on efficient 8-of-14 shooting. Beyond his scoring, he showcased his all-around impact by shooting 100% from the free-throw line and leading the team with 4 assists and 3 steals.

Aybar's impact translated seamlessly to the postseason in an Empire 8 Tournament First Round clash with No. 4 SUNY Poly. In a double-figure win over the Wildcats, he orchestrated the Brockport offense with a team-high 5 assists. He remained a constant scoring threat with 14 points, while adding 5 rebounds and a rejection to help propel the Golden Eagles into the next round.

With six Rookie of the Week selections now under his belt, Aybar has solidified his role as the backcourt anchor for the Green and Gold during their most critical stretch of the year. His ability to balance efficient scoring with elite offensive facilitation continues to be the bedrock of the team's success as they turn their heads to the Empire 8 Tournament Semifinals. 

Following their opening-round win, Aybar and the Golden Eagles have earned the right to host the conference semifinals. No. 5 Brockport will return to action to face No. 8 St. John Fisher on Wednesday, February 25th, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 p.m.