House Resolution 119

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JORDAN O'NEAL, UPON BEING NAMED THE 2024 SWAC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Jordan O'Neal has ascended to the pinnacle of basketball excellence as he was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first Jackson State University player to win the award since Jayveous McKinnis won the award three years in a row from 2020 through 2022, a first for the SWAC; and

WHEREAS, a native of Mobile, Alabama, Jordan O'Neal is a force on the defensive end of the floor and led the SWAC in blocked shots (1.48) and field goal percentage (.606), averaging 12.6 points per game, and he also averaged 6.10 rebounds per game, including 2.45 offensive and 3.66 defensive rebounds; and

WHEREAS, additionally, O'Neal earned SWAC Impact Player of the Week twice and SWAC Player of the Week, and he recorded two double-doubles this season against Florida A&M and Prairie View A&M; and

WHEREAS, a true defensive star, O'Neal recorded five blocks twice this season and scored in double figures in 18 games, and he finished the season with 43 total blocks; and

WHEREAS, Jordan O'Neal is an invaluable asset to the Tigers on both sides of the ball, as he is the second-leading scorer on the team averaging 11 points per game, and he scored 18 points against Missouri when the Tigers upset them 73-72 on the road November 19 and 16 points against Georgetown in an 88-81 loss November 25; and

WHEREAS, in the CP3 HBCU Challenge, O'Neal scored 19 points against Howard in an 81-74 victory in the championship game and 24 points against North Carolina A&T in a 68-60 win, and he was selected to the all-tournament team and the SWAC Impact Player of the Week; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend extraordinary Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as Jordan O'Neal, whose hard work and dedication brings honor to the sport of basketball, Jackson State University, and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Jordan O'Neal, upon being named the 2024 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, and extend best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Jordan O'Neal and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.