UOlivet’s Richardson voted MIAA Defensive Player of the Year

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The University of Olivet junior Nathan Richardson has been voted the 2025-26 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Defensive Player of the Year. He is the first Olivet player to earn this award since it was implemented in 2015.

During the 14-game MIAA schedule, Richardson posted a 14.3 scoring average, while being the league leader in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.3), steals per game (2.4) and total steals (33). He ranked second in assists per game (4.4) and total assists (61) and tied for third in field goal percentage (51.3).

For the entire season, Richardson was conference leader with 51 steals (2.0 per game), while finishing second in assists (90) and third in assists per game (3.6). He averaged 14.8 points and total points (369). Richardson made 143-of-274 baskets for the third-best field goal percentage (52.2).

"Nate really took a big step forward this year," said Olivet head coach Sam Hargraves. "His scoring and defense were there last year, but he became a floor general this year. Nate's biggest weakness has been turnovers. Even in some of our non-conference games this season he still had a turnover problem. For him to be at the top of the MIAA in assists and assist-to-turnover ratio has mirrored the success we have had in the win / loss column. Our coaches would say the biggest statistical impact on winning has been his ability to be an efficient playmaker."

The Comets host Trine University (Ind.) in the 2026 MIAA Tournament semifinals tonight at the Cutler Event Center, starting at 7:30 p.m. The other semifinal features No. 2 Hope College against No. 3 seed Calvin University at 5:30 p.m.