Baylor University’s men’s basketball squad has been awarded the 2025‑26 National Association of Basketball Coaches Team Academic Excellence Award, a distinction that celebrates programs maintaining a collective grade point average of at least 3.0.
The honor underscores the Bears’ commitment to balancing athletic ambition with scholarly rigor, a standard that has become increasingly prominent in collegiate sports.
Honors Court Recognition
In addition to the team accolade, three Baylor athletes — Obi Agbim, Juslin Bodo Bodo and JJ White — have been selected to the NABC Honors Court, which acknowledges players who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Their inclusion reflects the program’s depth of talent both on the hardwood and in the classroom, and it places them among a national cohort of over 2,300 student‑athletes recognized for academic excellence.
The broader impact of these achievements is evident in the fact that more than 400 basketball programs across the country have been celebrated for similar academic standards, illustrating a nationwide shift toward valuing education alongside competition.
Craig Robinson, executive director of the NABC, emphasized the importance of spotlighting student‑athletes who excel academically, noting that such recognition reinforces the association’s mission to promote holistic development.
Scott Drew, Baylor’s head coach, serves on the NABC Board of Directors, a role he assumed in September 2025, further cementing his influence within the organization’s governance.
Leadership and Legacy
Drew’s board membership not only amplifies Baylor’s voice in national basketball policy but also aligns with his long‑standing focus on building programs that thrive academically and competitively.
The combined acknowledgment of team GPA, individual honors and leadership contributions paints a picture of a program that is shaping the future of college basketball through academic integrity and sustained excellence.