Arnas Sakenis is SIUE’s rim-protecting engine
Arnas Sakenis gives SIUE a classic old-school center with modern value: in the 2025-26 season, he averaged 8.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 63.7% from the field[7][12]. He’s the Cougars’ all-time blocks leader with 160 career swats and was named the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year, which tells you exactly why he matters—he changes shots, anchors the paint, and makes opponents think twice at the rim[3][6]. If your team needs toughness, length, and elite defensive presence, he’s a fit; if you need stretch shooting, that’s not his game[2][7].
