Dasean Nelson Named 2026 PBL Newcomer of the Year

Money Team’s dominant big man has gone from first-year newcomer to one of the biggest difference-makers in the PBL — with a championship still within reach.

Nelson has been a force from the moment he stepped on the floor.

There are plenty of ways for a player to make an impression in his first season.

DaSean Nelson made an announcement.

In his debut PBL season, the Money Team big man has gone from newcomer to one of the league’s most impactful players, earning the 2026 PBL Newcomer of the Year award while helping lead Money Team to the PBL Big 16 Championship Game.

Nelson has been a difference-maker from the moment he stepped onto the floor.

Through eight appearances, he is averaging 20.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting an outstanding 63.8% from the field.

Those numbers tell the story of a player who has impacted virtually every area of the game.

Nelson leads Money Team in both scoring and rebounding, providing the team with something it didn't necessarily have before his arrival: a dominant interior presence capable of scoring efficiently, controlling the glass and protecting the rim.

But perhaps the most impressive part of Nelson's season has been his ability to maintain that production when the pressure has increased.

Built for the Big 16

The postseason has only strengthened Nelson's case.

In Money Team's opening Big 16 matchup against CTM, Nelson exploded for 28 points, helping Money Team cruise to a 71-56 victory and advance.

Then came the Elite Eight.

Facing Hartford Memorial, Nelson delivered another strong performance, scoring 22 points as Money Team rolled to a 72-56 victory and secured its spot in the Final Four.

Those performances helped fuel a postseason run that has seen Money Team play some of its best basketball of the season at precisely the right time.

And Nelson has been right in the middle of it.

A New Dimension for Money Team

Money Team already entered the season with plenty of firepower.

The roster featured one of the PBL's premier perimeter scorers in Jody Hill, along with veteran playmaker Buck Bothwell, Trevon Webster and DeAndre May.

Nelson didn't simply become another name in the rotation.

He changed the equation.

His size, rebounding, rim protection, efficiency and ability to score inside have given Money Team another weapon that opponents have to account for every possession.

Defenses can no longer simply focus their attention on Hill around the perimeter.

Nelson demands attention in the paint.

When defenses collapse on him, Money Team has perimeter players capable of making them pay. When opponents stay home on the shooters, Nelson can attack the interior.

That balance has made Money Team a much more difficult team to defend.

For a newcomer, that is a massive impact.

And Nelson didn’t need a season to adjust to the PBL.

He arrived ready.

His 20.1 PPG ranks alongside the league’s premier scorers, but doing it while shooting nearly 64% from the field makes his production even more impressive. Add 7.5 rebounds and nearly two blocks per game, and Nelson has influenced games on both ends of the floor.

Now the Newcomer of the Year has an opportunity to put the ultimate finishing touch on his first PBL season.

One Game From a Championship

Money Team punched its ticket to the 2026 PBL Big 16 Championship Game following a dramatic 69-66 Final Four victory over Win The Day.

What started as a promising season has now become a championship opportunity.

Money Team has survived the pressure of the Big 16, eliminated quality opponents and positioned itself one victory away from the ultimate prize.

And standing in the middle of that run is the newest force in the PBL.

🏆 2026 PBL Newcomer of the Year

DaSean Nelson | Money Team

20.1 PPG

7.5 RPG

1.4 APG

1.4 SPG

1.8 BPG

63.8% FG

From newcomer to difference-maker, DaSean Nelson has officially put the PBL on notice.

And with Money Team headed to the Big 16 Championship Game, his first season isn't finished yet.

Now, he has a chance to add one more accomplishment to an extraordinary first season:

PBL Champion..