KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The McDaniel College men’s basketball team has been honored with the 2025-26 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a team GPA of 3.0 or higher during the academic year. This marks the second time the Green Terror have received the award since its inception in 2012-13.
In addition to the team’s collective achievement, seniors Kevin Connelly, David Kearney, Matt Kearney, and junior Bruce Black earned individual recognition by being named to the NABC Honors Court. This accolade honors junior, senior, and graduate students who attained a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher during the academic year.
### Individual Academic Achievements
Kevin Connelly graduated on May 23 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship, finishing with a 3.775 GPA. A two-time NABC Honors Court honoree and three-time Centennial Conference Winter Academic Honor Roll selection, Connelly overcame an injury-shortened season to make an impact with 12 games played and one start.
David Kearney, who graduated with a 3.237 GPA in Business Administration, was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, averaging career highs of 17.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. He received All-Centennial Conference First Team honors and became the 20th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points.
Matt Kearney earned a degree in Biology with a 3.762 GPA. He was recognized twice on the NABC Honors Court and three times on the Centennial Conference Winter Academic Honor Roll. He posted career highs of 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 19.4 minutes per game, playing in 26 games and making two starts in the 2025-26 season.
Junior Bruce Black, returning for his final season, maintained a 3.350 GPA in Business Administration. In his first season after transferring from Rosemont, Black ranked third on the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 11.0 points and 4.6 rebounds while making 24 starts in all 27 games.
### Team and Program Context
McDaniel College competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the Centennial Conference. The men’s basketball program emphasizes a balance between academic excellence and athletic competitiveness. The 2025-26 season highlighted this balance as the Green Terror excelled both on the court and in the classroom.
### What This Recognition Means
Receiving the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award underscores McDaniel’s commitment to fostering student-athletes who succeed academically while contributing significantly to their team. This honor strengthens the program’s reputation as a destination for players who prioritize comprehensive development.
### Maryland Sports Blog Analysis
McDaniel College’s men’s basketball team’s dual recognition — the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award and four players named to the Honors Court — demonstrates the program’s commitment to cultivating well-rounded student-athletes. The Green Terror exemplify how academic rigor and competitive athletics can coexist effectively in Maryland’s Division III sports scene. This achievement brings pride to McDaniel and sets an aspirational standard for other programs focused on the academic and athletic development of their players.
With sustained focus on this dual mission, McDaniel’s men’s basketball program is poised to remain a model of success for institutions statewide and nationally. Maintaining this standard of academic achievement alongside competitive play will enhance the school’s appeal to recruits seeking robust personal and athletic growth opportunities.
For more information on McDaniel men’s basketball, visit the [official site](https://mcdanielathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball). Details on the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award are available at [nabc.com](https://nabc.com/awards/academic-excellence).
