ROCHESTER, NY - Four members of the Utica University men's basketball team have been selected to All-Empire 8 teams, as announced by the league on Thursday.
Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) has received his second consecutive first team all-conference nod. Thompson established himself as one of the Empire 8's premier perimeter scorers, averaging 16.2 points per game overall and 17.1 points per game in conference play. His 421 total points ranked among the top scorers in the league, while his conference scoring average placed him firmly inside the Empire 8's upper tier. The senior guard shot 44.1 percent from the field and connected on 46 three-pointers, but it was his work at the free throw line that separated him from much of the conference. Thompson shot 88.4 percent from the stripe, one of the top marks in the Empire 8, and was even better in league play at 87.5 percent. In conference games, Thompson also averaged over three rebounds per contest and totaled 23 steals, ranking among Utica's defensive leaders while serving as the team's primary scoring option.
Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) has received his first All-Empire 8 selection after being named to the third team. Parks delivered one of the most efficient interior seasons in the Empire 8 this year. He averaged 11.2 points and nine rebounds per game overall, ranking among the conference's top rebounders and leading Utica in both total rebounds (233) and rebounding average. His efficiency was historic. Parks shot 70.6 percent from the field, the top percentage on the team, the highest in the conference, and second highest single season field goal percentage in program history. In conference play, he was even better, shooting 71.6 percent, a number that placed him at or near the top of the Empire 8 leaderboard. Defensively, Parks anchored a Utica unit that ranked near the top of the conference in blocks per game (5.0 as a team). His 48 total blocks and 38 conference blocks positioned him among the league leaders in rim protection, making him one of the most impactful defenders in the conference.
Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) has received his first career All-Empire 8 nod after also being named to the third team. Teague provided consistent production on both ends of the floor, averaging 12.8 points and seven rebounds per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field. His 169 total rebounds ranked second on the team and placed him among the conference's more productive frontcourt players. In Empire 8 contests, Teague elevated his scoring to 13.9 points per game while maintaining a 48.8 percent field goal percentage. He also added 17 blocks in conference play and finished the season with 38 total blocks, giving Utica two players ranked among the league leaders in blocked shots. Teague's combination of interior scoring, defensive presence, and ability to stretch the floor made him one of the conference's most versatile forwards. Alongside Parks, he helped Utica rank near the top of the Empire 8 in overall field goal percentage (.455).
Isaiah Smith (Amsterdam, NY/Schalmont) has been named Utica's recipient of the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders award. One member of each team was named that institution's representative on the 2026 Men's Basketball Tomorrow's Leaders Team. This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they "compete with honor and integrity" and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportsmen.
