The Southern Conference Players Who Bring Relentless Edge, Grit, and Swagger Every Night
Built different doesn’t always show up in a box score. Sometimes it’s in the stare after a big bucket, the refusal to back down, or the confidence to take — and make — the shot when everything is on the line. This is, a group of players who bring competitiveness, toughness, confidence, and unmistakable swagger to every single game. These are the guys who tilt the floor, raise the temperature, and make opponents uncomfortable from tip to horn.
First Team:
These five form the heartbeat of the All “He’s Got That Dog in Him” SoCon Team — the players you trust to set the tone, absorb the pressure, and close games when toughness matters most.
Baraka Okojie (G, Jr., 6’3”, 195 lbs)
If you’re looking for late‑game steel, Baraka Okojie is your guy. He thrives when the pressure peaks, drawing contact, converting at the line, and taking command of possessions that decide games. His performance at Clemson — capped by a buzzer‑beater at halftime and a little conversation with the crowd on his way to the locker room — was a declaration of confidence and edge.
Okojie’s background tells the story of his maturity. Raised in Brampton, Ontario, with roots in Kenya and Nigeria, and experience with Canada’s U‑16 and U‑17 National Teams, he’s seen high‑level basketball early. He’s played in the NCAA Tournament, he’s been on big stages, and he’s not blinking now. He’s an elite leader, a connector, a true floor general who applies pressure defensively and pushes teammates to rise with him. He leads by example and by voice, with a poise that screams: He’s got that dog in him.
Alex Wilkins (G, Fr., 6’5”, 175 lbs)
Fear the headband. Alex Wilkins can light you up from anywhere on the floor, and he does it with the calm of someone who’s already survived the worst. He picked up a basketball young, broke his leg as a youth, and fought his way back through injuries that would have sidelined others mentally.
Bob Richey doesn’t start freshmen — not even past stars like Jalen Slawson — which makes Wilkins’ role at Furman all the more telling. He attacks the rim with confidence, plays with poise beyond his years, and has a craftiness that makes defenders look a step slow. His game is proof that toughness isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s persistence. And yes, he’s got that dog in him.
Cam Morris III (F, Sr., 6’8”, 205 lbs)
Nicknamed “UNC’,” Cam Morris III plays with the wisdom of someone who’s been around the game for a long time — because he has. ETSU’s emotional leader, Morris brings infectious energy, presence, and a fearless follow me mentality.
His game is built on intelligence and old‑school savvy. Pump fakes, footwork, and patience define his offensive approach, while his leadership defines the locker room. He plays an “old man’s game” with a young man’s motor, blending toughness with calm authority. When Morris is on the floor, everyone feels it.
Brian Taylor II (G, Sr., 6’4”, 175 lbs)
Cool is a skill, and Brian Taylor II has mastered it. A product of the tough St. Louis basketball scene, Taylor was a high‑school standout who has grown into the key piece for his team. He’s calm under pressure in a way that feels contagious.
Against Central Arkansas, he casually posted a triple‑double (14 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) like it was just another night at the office. He plays cool, walks cool, rocks cool hair — and backs it all up with production. Some players force the game; Taylor lets it come to him, then controls it.
Jordan Frison (G, Jr., 6’0”, 170 lbs)
Jordan Frison comes from Overton High School in Memphis, a program whose reputation soared after its historic 2023 TSSAA Class 4A State Championship. Hard work is baked into his game, and defenders know it immediately — because they cannot stay in front of him.
Frison’s quickness, vision, and patience make him a nightmare in space. He changes speeds, reads help defenders, and plays with a fearless confidence that reflects his roots. He’s relentless without being reckless, and that balance is pure dog.
Second Team:
These five make up the Second Team — players who bring the same edge, intensity, and competitive fire every time they step on the field. They’re relentless, physical, and fearless.
AJ Clark (G, Jr., 6’4”, 184 lbs)
Named to the SoCon All‑Defensive Team, AJ Clark is one of the best on‑ball defenders in the league. He racks up steals, makes blocks, and brings unmatched athleticism and energy. Clark’s explosiveness fuels both ends of the floor — and yes, he will dunk on your head and stare you down afterward.
Justin Neely (F, Sr., 6’6”, 220 lbs)
Nicknamed “Fro” — which alone qualifies him — Justin Neely is a relentless, blue‑collar force. He attacks the glass, hustles every possession, and brings bravado with brains. A smart, vocal leader, Neely’s energy never dips, and his toughness sets a standard.
Blake Barkley (F, So., 6’8”, 220 lbs)
ETSU fans love Blake Barkley for a reason. He’s mobile, physical, and plays with an edge that shows up early. A banger with strength, crafty spin moves near the rim, quick leaping ability, and composure, Barkley sets the tone and keeps it there. He’s a team guy who does the dirty work with pride.
Zaire Williams (G, Sr., 6’4”, 200 lbs)
Pure edge on the perimeter. Brooklyn toughness. The Bears’ best shooter and best perimeter defender, he takes on the toughest matchup every night and never backs down. When he heats up, he can take over a game in a hurry, and when shots aren’t falling, the motor never stops. Hustle, fight, confidence, and toughness on every possession — certified dog.
Jaden Booth (G, Sr., 6’2”, 185 lbs)
Booth never lacks confidence and plays every possession with an attacking mindset. The Bulldogs’ go-to scorer, he rebounds his position, relentlessly draws fouls, and converts at the line with elite efficiency. One of the SoCon’s most reliable offensive weapons. Dynamic off the dribble and fearless in late-game moments, he can carry an offense for long stretches. His ability to glide in transition, absorb contact, and still finish cements his reputation as a true competitor.
This is the kind of guard opponents game-plan for and teammates rally behind—the embodiment of “that dog.”
The Point After
This All “He’s Got That Dog in Him” SoCon Team isn’t just about talent — it’s about mindset. These players bring grit, swagger, confidence, and a refusal to be outworked. They lead, they bark, they bite, and they elevate everyone around them. In a league defined by toughness, these eight stand out because when the lights are brightest and the game gets real, they’re built different.
