Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

UNC Asheville’s Solomon Shines in Basketball Season

College basketball player in action during a game

News Summary

UNC Asheville’s forward Solomon has made a significant impact during the men’s basketball season, starting all games and averaging 15.7 points per game. His impressive statistics include a .610 field goal percentage, being the top rebounder with 7.2 rebounds per game, and leading the conference in blocks. His career highs and consistent scoring have earned him a spot on the Big South All-Conference Second Team, highlighting his essential role in the team’s performance this season.

Asheville, NC – UNC Asheville’s forward, Solomon, has received significant recognition following a remarkable performance in the 2024-25 men’s basketball season. His achievements include being the only player on the team to start all 32 games, averaging 15.7 points per game, which marks him as the second-highest scorer for the team.

Throughout the season, Solomon showcased impressive technical skills, leading the team with a .610 field goal percentage. His tenacity on the boards also positioned him as the top rebounder for Asheville, averaging 7.2 rebounds per game and recording a remarkable 51 blocks. His performance not only helped his team but also ranked him as the sixth leading scorer and fifth leading rebounder in the Big South Conference. Additionally, he led the conference in blocks.

In total, Solomon played 1,001 minutes during the season, averaging 31.3 minutes per game, demonstrating his stamina and endurance on the court. He reached multiple personal highs, such as scoring a career-high of 24 points against North Florida on December 17 and recording 15 rebounds against Central Arkansas on November 24. His versatility was further highlighted by achieving a career-high of six assists against Longwood on February 22 and a career-high of six blocks against UNCW on December 21.

In notable games, Solomon made a significant impact, such as scoring a career-high 11 field goals during Asheville’s conference opening victory against High Point. He consistently contributed to the team, being the first scorer for Asheville in eight games and the leading scorer in seven of those games. Over the season, he also led the team in rebounds for 15 games and recorded five double-doubles while reaching double figures in scoring 30 times.

Solomon’s performance placed him at No. 13 in the nation for field goal percentage, as well as ranking him at No. 31 for field goals and No. 47 in blocks nationally. His achievements were duly recognized when he earned a spot on the Big South All-Conference Second Team, underscoring his importance to the team and his remarkable contributions to college basketball this season.

In his previous season (2023-24), Solomon played in 33 games, starting six and logging 550 minutes. He had a strong shooting performance with 69.6 percent from the field, accumulating 199 points during that time. He also contributed 99 rebounds, 21 assists, 13 steals, and recorded 31 blocks, placing him second on the team. His best performance of that season included a season-high of 17 points and three blocks in a semifinal victory against Gardner-Webb, along with a notable 11 rebounds against Virginia Lynchburg.

Before joining UNC Asheville, Solomon played two impressive seasons at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. There, he averaged 14.9 points and 9.6 rebounds during his sophomore year, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. His standout performances included seven games with over 20 points, with a season-high of 27 points. His rebounding prowess was recognized as he ranked 27th nationally at the junior college level. Following this exemplary season, he was awarded both the Region X Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year titles.

In his freshman season at Caldwell, Solomon made an immediate impact, earning First Team All-Region honors and being named the Region’s Newcomer of the Year, finishing seventh in the country with 86 blocks while averaging 12.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Solomon’s early success began in high school, where he was part of two conference championship teams and earned All-Conference honors twice.