St. Mary’s College Men’s Basketball Trio and Team Honored by NABC

by Brian Hradsky · July 17, 2026

St. Mary’s College of Maryland Men’s Basketball Trio and Team Honored by NABC for Academic Excellence

The St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s basketball team was recognized on July 15 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) for exemplary academic achievement during the 2025-26 season. Both the team as a whole and a distinguished trio of student-athletes received honors celebrating their commitment to academics alongside athletic competition.

NABC Recognizes St. Mary’s College Men’s Basketball Team and Players for Academic Excellence

At a ceremony held in Kansas City, Missouri, the NABC announced its 2025-26 Team Academic Excellence Award recipients and named individual student-athletes to the Honors Court. St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s men’s basketball program earned the prestigious Team Academic Excellence Award, which highlights squads that have demonstrated a cumulative team grade-point average (GPA) of 3.30 or higher during the season. This award underscores the program’s culture of balancing rigorous academics with competitive NCAA Division III basketball.

Additionally, three players from the St. Mary’s men’s basketball roster achieved individual recognition on the NABC Honors Court. This honor is reserved for collegiate basketball players who attained a minimum GPA of 3.20 or higher during the academic year. These honorees exemplify personal dedication to their studies while contributing on the court.

Academic Excellence and Athletic Success at St. Mary’s College

St. Mary’s College of Maryland, located in St. Mary’s City, boasts a men’s basketball program that competes in the NCAA Division III, focusing on the integral development of student-athletes. The 2025-26 season further illustrated this commitment as the team not only pursued competitive success on the hardwood but also achieved commendable academic results.

Head coach David Tibbs, now in his fourth season, is well known for developing players who excel both athletically and academically. The coaching staff emphasizes time management, discipline, and academic support, all key factors in the program’s ability to garner national recognition from the NABC.

The trio awarded on the Honors Court includes standout student-athletes whose academic majors range across the liberal arts, sciences, and humanities – reflective of St. Mary’s broad curriculum. These players maintained high GPAs while being key contributors in their respective roles on the basketball court throughout the season.

About the National Association of Basketball Coaches Academic Awards

The NABC’s Team Academic Excellence Award and Honors Court are among the most respected accolades emphasizing student-athlete academic achievement in men’s college basketball. The Team Academic Excellence Award is based on the collective team GPA, with the minimum threshold set at 3.30 on a 4.0 scale for NCAA Division III schools.

The Honors Court designation celebrates individual players who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.20. These awards underscore the organization’s mission to promote the student-athlete ideal: success both in the classroom and competition.

Last year, over 100 men’s basketball teams across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III received these prestigious designations. The continued inclusion of St. Mary’s College of Maryland highlights its sustained excellence.

Looking Ahead: Building on Academic and Athletic Foundations

For the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s basketball program, this recognition by the NABC reinforces the foundations laid by past teams and current academics. The school’s focus remains on recruiting well-rounded student-athletes capable of balancing academic rigor and athletic responsibilities.

With a roster blending experienced upperclassmen and incoming freshmen, the program looks poised to continue its dual commitment to success. This award serves as motivation for returning players and a compelling aspect for recruits evaluating the program.

Maryland Sports Blog Take

St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s men’s basketball team’s receipt of the NABC’s Team Academic Excellence Award and Honors Court recognition speaks volumes about the institution’s commitment to fostering true student-athlete achievement. In a landscape where collegiate sports sometimes overshadow academics, St. Mary’s strides forward, proving that competitive basketball and scholarship can coexist in harmony.

The Honorable mention of three players on the Honors Court is particularly noteworthy, reflecting individual determination in addition to collective effort. As a Division III program, St. Mary’s exemplifies the essence of college athletics, developing leaders not just on the court, but in their careers and communities.

Maryland basketball fans and collegiate sports followers should recognize and celebrate the significance of this achievement. With the demanding schedules these student-athletes maintain, their success portends a bright future for the Seahawks program and contributes to the rising academic profile of Maryland collegiate basketball.

2025-26 St. Mary’s College of Maryland Men’s Basketball Academic Awards Recipients

Team Award: NABC Team Academic Excellence Award (GPA of 3.30 or higher)
Individual Honors Court Members (minimum 3.20 GPA): Three standout student-athletes from the men’s basketball team (names not provided in the source)

For the latest St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s basketball news, rosters, and schedules, visit smcmathletics.com.

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