Utica, N.Y. – SUNY Poly senior forward Anthony Rose has been named the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Year and a First-Team All-Conference selection, capping a remarkable 2025–26 campaign in which he led the Wildcats to an 18–8 overall record and established himself as one of the league's most dominant players.
Rose started all 26 games and was a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 19.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while logging 843 minutes. He shot an impressive 47.9 percent from the field and 85.0 percent from the free-throw line, while also knocking down 33 three-pointers at a 34.7 percent clip. He ranked third in the conference in scoring and averaged the fifth-most minutes per game in the Empire 8, highlighting his consistency and offensive impact.
The senior finished the season with 501 total points, 135 rebounds, 50 assists, 37 steals, and 20 blocks, showcasing his versatility and all-around presence. He also recorded a double-double and delivered in key moments, including a 31-point explosion in the Wildcats' final regular season game against cross-town rival Utica University that secured home-court advantage for the first round of the Empire 8 playoffs.
Rose's recognition as Player of the Year highlights not only his individual excellence but also his role in guiding SUNY Poly to one of its strongest seasons in recent program history. Over his collegiate career, Rose compiled 1,498 points and 526 rebounds while shooting 49 percent from the field and 37 percent from three, cementing his place among the program's standout performers. He currently ranks fourth all-time in scoring and is one of only 11 players in program history to surpass 1,000 career points. His résumé also includes multiple playoff appearances, weekly conference honors, and a spot on the Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List, closing out a decorated tenure in a Wildcats uniform.
SUNY Poly's success was further reflected in the conference awards, as junior Kamryn Comstock joined Rose with All-Conference honors. Comstock earned Third-Team recognition after a strong and consistent season as a key contributor on both ends of the court, averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds per game while recording 17 blocks and shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.
Alex Schmidt was named to the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team.
