Former Jacksonville State guard Jaron Pierre Jr. has been named the 2024-25 Michael L. Slive Male Athlete of the Year by Conference USA, it was announced on Wednesday.

The award, named in remembrance of founding Conference USA commissioner Mike Slive, marks the first for Jax State as a member of CUSA.

Pierre’s award also marks the first men’s basketball player to win the award since Javion Hamlet of North Texas won the award in 2019-2020.

Liberty star outfielder Rachel Roupe was named the female athlete of the year after leading the Flames to a 50-15 record and an NCAA softball super regional appearance following an upset of No. 1 Texas A&M.

Pierre was named Conference USA men’s basketball player of the year this season as he averaged 21.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for the Gamecocks last season.

He led the program to the Conference USA tournament championship game and its first National Invitation Tournament, where he keyed an 81-64 road win over Georgia Tech in the first round.

The New Orleans native entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to SMU; he initially also entered the 2025 NBA Draft, but withdrew his name to play for the ACC program.

Pierre led all Division I athletes in total point s (777) while also tying for third in total field goals (266) and ranking fourth in scoring average. He scored at least 20 points in 23 games this season.

His season was highlighted by a career-high 36 points against Middle Tennessee State on Feb. 6, breaking the program’s Division I record for most points by a player in a home win.