The American University men's basketball program has once again been recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, earning the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award for the third consecutive year.
Under the guidance of head coach Duane Simpkins, the Eagles have turned scholarly achievement into a hallmark of their identity, a streak that began several seasons ago and shows no sign of slowing.
A Tradition of Excellence
The honor reflects a team-wide grade point average that meets the NABC's benchmark of 3.0 or higher, a standard that the university's squad has consistently exceeded.
Three Eagles — junior Matt Mayock, senior Noah Jones, and sophomore Adrian Samuels — were selected to the NABC Honors Court, a distinction reserved for players who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above.
Coach Simpkins has repeatedly emphasized that success on the court begins with success in the classroom, often stating that the program's culture prizes scholarship as much as competition.
In a recent statement, NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson praised the student‑athletes, saying, “We are proud to celebrate the academic accomplishments of these young men who represent the very best of college basketball.”
The recognition underscores a broader trend across NCAA programs, where athletic departments are increasingly held accountable for the holistic development of their athletes, balancing wins with educational outcomes.
As the Eagles look ahead to the next season, the blend of competitive drive and academic rigor remains a defining characteristic of the university's basketball identity.