The “G.O.A.T. of the Month” is a segment that the Hilltop Views sports section works to recognize the consistent, impactful performance of a stand-out SEU athlete during the span of a month.

The St. Edward’s men’s basketball team has had much success this season by not only having multiple players earn Heartland Conference recognition, but also by clinching the Conference title.

During the month February, junior point guard August Haas averaged 11.8 points and six assists per game while leading the Hilltoppers to a 5-1 record. In just his first year running the offense, Haas’s facilitating effectiveness has turned SEU into elite offense that currently leads the Heartland Conference in scoring (87.9 ppg).

With Haas leading the offense, he is on a constant lookout for shots for his teammates – something he seems to excel at as he has led fellow teammate Dorian Lopez to his second conference Player of the Week award and has allowed for multiple players to earn double-digit scoring every night.

“Coming down to Division II, my main goal was to win. I knew that the more you win the more fun you have, and I wanted to have fun playing basketball.,” Haas said. “Individual stats are great, but I don’t think about that too much, so as long as we keep winning, I’m happy.”

Through the consistent pressure, Haas says he is more concerned with working hard. He describes himself as a “gritty trash talker on the court”, but it is this toughness and resiliency that ignites the team in high pressure situations.

Haas, a Copenhagen, Denmark native, says that his experience in Europe and at his previous college UW-Milwaukee have helped him transition into the SEU system.

In fact, head coach Andre Cook describes him as an “unselfish winner” whose impact is needed for a great postseason.

“He comes in the gym, is competitive, playing hard and ready to practice everyday. But he’s a ‘lead-by-example’ type of guy, so I need him to talk more get out of his comfort zone,” Cook said. ”He’s been great for us this season.”

Although Haas transferred from a Division I program and has played in other programs, SEU has made a lasting impression on him.

“The high pace that we play with, averaging just under 90 points per game, while also being able to defend is the biggest difference coming here to Coach Cook. Being the point guard, I’m a playmaker, and I always try to put guys in good situations, and these guys are some of the best shooters I’ve ever played with.”

Haas came in with the goal to win it all, and he seems to be en route to do it. The team will end the regular season this week against Lubbock Christian and prepare for the Heartland Conference Tournament set on March 7.