Sheldon, Iowa, and Kansas City, MO – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced its Player-of-the-Year in men’s basketball.
Northwestern College sophomore and Sheldon native Jesse Van Kalsbeek was tabbed as the 2026 NAIA Men’s Basketball Player-of-the-Year along with his first-team All-American honors. He led the nation in points per game, averaging 27.8 over 34 games; he also led in defensive rebounds at 363 and total rebounds at 421 this season, while averaging 34.1 minutes per game.
He also ranked in the top three nationally in rebounds per game at 12.4 and points per 40 minutes at 32.6)
Van Kalsbeek raised the bar this season, setting five new career highs in points (34), assists (7), steals (4), blocks (2), and field goals made (15).
