The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) has revealed the 2025‑26 Team Academic Excellence Awards and the NABC Honors Court, spotlighting institutions and athletes that excel both on the hardwood and in the classroom.
Among the honorees is the University of Pikeville, which earned recognition as part of a nationwide cohort of more than 400 programs celebrated for their academic performance.
Eight students from the Kentucky campus were named to the Honors Court, each carrying a distinct academic focus: Aden Barnett studies business administration, Jace Copley pursues biomedical sciences, Justin Sapoi is a business administration major, Keian Worrix also majors in business administration, Keynan Cutlip holds a business administration degree, Robby Todd is a business administration student, Rylee Samons majors in business administration, and Zane Whitaker is studying biology.
Spotlight on Academic Stars
NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson underscored the significance of the accolades, noting that they reflect a broader commitment to integrating scholarly achievement with athletic ambition across every level of college basketball.
The awards are determined by strict academic benchmarks: teams must maintain a collective GPA of at least 3.0, while individual honorees need a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. In total, over 2,300 players earned a place on the Honors Court, illustrating the depth of academic talent throughout the sport.
The recognition not only celebrates the students’ scholarly diligence but also highlights the University of Pikeville’s growing reputation for fostering well‑rounded athletes.