Trailblazer Justin Archer named 2021 NJCAA All-American

VINCENNES, Ind. – VU freshman forward Justin Archer was named an NJCAA All-American Honorable mention this week after a big freshman season for the blue and gold.

Archer stepped into his role of being the Blazers go-to scorer in the low post this season, leading the team with an average of 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while also adding 1.4 blocks per game.

Archer got his VU career started with a bang, scoring in double-figures in his first six games for the Blazers, including a 21-point outing against Triton in the third game of the season.

Archer set his career-high in points for VU at Lake Land, when Justin recorded a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

"To be named as one of the top players in the country is a blessing," Archer said. "It is something I strived for coming into the season, as well as putting in the hard work in the off-season."

Archer becomes the 49th All-American in VU Men's basketball history and the 14th honoree under Hall of Fame head coach Todd Franklin.

"It means a lot to me to have my name put up on the banner with the great players that came to Vincennes and left their mark here," Archer added. "It is a great accomplishment for me. I see the banners all the time when I come into the gym, now I am up there with the greats and it's something that will be there forever and can't be taken away from me."

As for what advice Justin would give to the next group of incoming Trailblazers who want to see their name hanging from the rafters one day, "I would tell them to work on your game as much as possible and listen to the coaching staff here, because they know what it takes to get you where you want to be."