2026 ACAC Men's Basketball Defensive Players of the Year
Edmonton, AB (March 4, 2026) –
NORTH MEN'S BASKETBALL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, BAHAEDDIN SALMA:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Bahaeddin ‘Baha’ Salma of the Lakeland Rustlers has been selected as the 2026 ACAC Men’s Basketball North Division Defensive Player of the Year.
Salma has remained a rock for the Rustlers in his final year of eligibility, being able to guard multiple positions against every opponent they faced. In almost every defensive position, he takes on the duty of defending the primary ball handler on the opposing team and is typically the first look for the opposing team’s top scorer. The combination of athleticism, tenacity and basketball IQ has helped anchor the best defence in the North Division
Additionally, with his inclusion to this year’s ACAC North All-Conference 2nd Team, Salma has been named an All-Conference athlete three straight seasons.
“We’re glad Baha is being recognized for being the premier defensive player in the ACAC,” Head coach Sheray Thomas said. “He’s a ball hawk, a disrupter and a focal point of our defence.”
Bahaeddin Salma hails from Saskatoon, SK and is in his fifth year taking his Bachelor of Science at Lakeland College.
This prestigious award was recognized at the 2026 ACAC Men’s Basketball Championship hosted by Lakeland College in Lloydminster, AB.
SOUTH MEN'S BASKETBALL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, CAM CARTER:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Cam Carter of the SAIT Trojans has been selected as the 2026 ACAC South Male Basketball Defensive Player of the Year.
Third year player, Cam Carter has made his presence known in a big way during his first season with the Trojans quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most impactful defenders. In his first year with the program, Carter has consistently set the tone on the defensive end, bringing intensity, discipline, and a relentless work ethic that has elevated the Trojans’ defensive identity throughout the season.
Carter’s ability to read the game and disrupt opposing offenses has been a defining part of his impact. This year, he has totaled 107 total rebounds, with 75 of those being Defensive and 78 steals, regularly creating extra possessions and forcing opponents into difficult situations. With these stats, Carter smashed SAIT's single-season steals record with 78, previous record was 60 held by Ian Tevis in 2019. Whether locking down top scorers, contesting shots, or making timely stops, Carter’s versatility and commitment to defense has been instrumental in key moments and has made him a reliable presence in high‑pressure situations.
Beyond the stat line, Carter’s influence has extended to his leadership and competitiveness, quickly earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike. Despite it being his first year with the Trojans, he has embraced a leadership role through his preparation, communication, and consistency on the floor. Carter is a third‑year student‑athlete from Baltimore, Maryland, enrolled in the Software Development program, balancing academic success with an award‑winning debut season in Trojans colors.
“Cam’s growth this year started with his willingness to improve3, and he asked how he could become a better team defender. Not only did he lead the league in steals at 3.7 per game, but his improvement in communication and charge taking turned him in to an elite all around player.” – Assistant Coach Pat Troy
Cam led the ACAC in assists at 6 a game, grabbed 5.1 rebounds and scored 10.5 points as a true floor general. With an ACAC leading assist to turnover ratio of 4.3, Cam is a large reason why the SAIT Trojans have had the most efficient offense in the conference.
Cam Carter is a third-year student-athlete from Baltimore, MD, enrolled in the Software Development Program.
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About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Emily Peterson, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
emilyp@acac.ab.ca