The Bison men’s basketball program continues to prove that success on the court can go hand-in-hand with dedication in the classroom. In a significant recognition of their commitment to academics, the Bison have been named a recipient of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award for the 2024–2025 academic year. In addition to the team honor, six individual players were also singled out for their personal academic achievements, earning a place on the NABC Honors Court.
The NABC Team Academic Excellence Award is reserved for men’s college basketball programs that demonstrate exemplary academic performance. To qualify, teams must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher for the entire academic year. For the Bison, this award is a testament to the culture of discipline and balance cultivated by head coach Marcus Reynolds and his staff, who consistently stress that being a student-athlete means succeeding in both arenas.
In an era when the pressures of college athletics can often overshadow academics, the Bison’s recognition serves as a reminder of the program’s holistic approach. Coach Reynolds, speaking about the honor, emphasized how proud he was of his team’s commitment: “This award is about more than grades—it’s about the dedication and responsibility our student-athletes show every single day. It’s not easy balancing travel, practice, games, and a full course load. These young men have shown that it’s possible to excel at both.”
Beyond the team accolade, the individual recognition is equally impressive. Seniors Tyler Matthews, Jordan Lee, and Malcolm Foster, along with juniors Devin Banks and Isaiah Harris and sophomore Ethan Brooks, were all named to the NABC Honors Court. This distinction is awarded to student-athletes who are juniors, seniors, or graduate students and maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher throughout the academic year.
For these six players, the acknowledgment underscores their ability to lead both on the hardwood and in the classroom. Tyler Matthews, a senior guard and co-captain, has been instrumental in the Bison’s recent on-court success. Yet Matthews’ professors are just as quick to praise his work ethic in his business administration major. “Tyler is one of those students who sits in the front row and asks questions,” said Dr. Alicia Monroe, one of Matthews’ professors. “He brings the same energy he shows in games to his studies.”
Jordan Lee, another senior standout, is known among teammates for his quiet leadership and relentless study habits. Majoring in biology with aspirations to attend medical school, Lee has balanced rigorous science labs with the demands of Division I basketball. “It’s about discipline and planning ahead,” Lee explained. “Basketball teaches you a lot about time management. You learn to use every free moment wisely.”
Malcolm Foster, meanwhile, has emerged as a mentor to younger teammates, both in practice and in the study hall. Foster, who is majoring in communications, sees academics as part of his legacy at the university. “I want the freshmen to see that it’s possible to be successful on the court and still handle your business academically,” he said.
The younger honorees—Banks, Harris, and Brooks—show that this culture of academic excellence is well-ingrained in the program’s future. Each of them has already made significant contributions to the team’s recent winning seasons, while maintaining GPAs that rank among the best on the squad. Devin Banks, who is studying sports management, noted that the older players helped him develop good habits early on: “They showed me how to keep up with assignments on the road and how to stay organized. It makes a big difference.”
The Bison’s success in the classroom mirrors a broader trend in college sports, where academic support services for student-athletes have become more robust and better funded. At Bison University, the athletic department offers tutoring, study halls, and mentorship programs to help athletes thrive academically. The coaching staff also works closely with academic advisors to ensure that players stay on track for graduation.
For the Bison men’s basketball team, the NABC Academic Excellence Award is not just a line in a press release; it’s a point of pride that reinforces what the program stands for. “Our goal is to help these young men become well-rounded leaders,” said Coach Reynolds. “Wins and championships are great, but the biggest victory is seeing our players walk across the stage with a degree.”
With six individuals honored this year, the Bison hope this becomes a tradition rather than an exception. As the team looks ahead to another competitive season on the court, they’ll do so with the confidence that they’re building something meaningful off it as well—a culture where excellence truly exten
ds beyond basketball.
