Trine University’s men’s basketball squad, known as the Thunder, has earned a spot in the inaugural NABC Division III Tournament that will be held in Las Vegas during the upcoming winter break. The event, launched by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, is designed to showcase the strongest programs from across NCAA Division III.
Joining the Thunder will be seven other qualifiers, including Chicago, Elmhurst, Emory, Keene State, Randolph‑Macon, Redlands and Wabash. Both Trine and Randolph‑Macon have captured NCAA Division III championships within the past five seasons, underscoring the competitiveness of the field.
A Valuable Test for a Championship‑Ready Roster
Head Coach Jon VanderWal described the tournament as an opportunity to play against top teams and test their skills. The exact matchups and the host site in Las Vegas will be announced later, but the schedule already guarantees two games on December 21 and December 22, 2026.
The announcement was made during a Thunder Day Camp for elementary‑school athletes at Trine’s MTI Center, where the team’s recent championship pedigree was highlighted. VanderWal emphasized that the experience will help the coaching staff evaluate player performance under high‑stakes conditions and give fans a preview of how the roster translates against diverse opponents.
Beyond the on‑court action, the invitation signals growing recognition for Trine’s program and its place among the nation’s top Division III contenders. While the tournament’s details are still being finalized, the opportunity to compete on a national stage promises to be a pivotal moment for the Thunder’s development.