ATHENS, Tenn. — The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) announced its Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week on Monday, and according to the league's release, Montreat College's Lawrence Cole earned the initial accolade of the 2026-27 season. Not only is the award Cole's first AAC weekly honor, but it also is the Cavaliers' first AAC Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week nod since Feb. 16, 2026, when RJ Manginello claimed the recognition.
 
Cole fell just one point shy of matching his career-high output during the Cavs' 83-74 win over NCAA Division III Oglethorpe University last Thursday. The Jersey City, N.J., native poured in 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting (61.5 percent). The only Montreat player to reach double figures in scoring on the night, Cole also went 6-for-8 at the charity stripe and dished out an assist.
 
Additionally, Cole hauled in six rebounds, including two on the offensive glass. The junior contributed on the defensive end of the floor as well, tallying one steal across his 27 minutes played.
 
For a look at the official AAC Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week release, click here.
 
Cole and the Montreat College men's basketball team return to action tomorrow in Lawrenceville, Ga., for a nonconference matchup versus the No. 18-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.