A Season of Firsts
Howard University’s men’s basketball program has added a new chapter to its story by capturing three Telly Awards at the 47th Annual ceremony. The honors, announced by the Telly Awards Judging Council, recognized the Bison’s creative storytelling in the general student category, with a Silver award for the Men’s Basketball 2025‑26 Anime Schedule Release, a Bronze award for the same content in social video, and another Silver for the Men’s Basketball 2025‑26 Intro Video.
The awards underscore the growing emphasis on narrative‑driven content within collegiate athletics, a shift that aligns with the program’s broader communication strategy. The Telly Awards, which receive over 13,000 entries worldwide, celebrate excellence across all screens, and Howard’s recognition highlights the university’s ability to produce compelling visual stories that reach a global audience.
On the court, the Bison delivered a historic performance this season, finishing with 24 victories — a tally that ties the school record for most wins in a single campaign. Under the direction of Coach Kenneth Blakeney, the team broke new ground by securing its first-ever NCAA tournament win, a milestone that has energized fans and players alike.
The momentum continued as Howard climbed to 23rd place in the CollegeInsider.com Men’s Mid‑Major Top 25 Poll, marking the program’s debut in a national ranking after 27 years of existence. The achievement reflects both the on‑court progress and the strategic storytelling efforts that have amplified the team’s profile.
Looking ahead, the Bison aim to build on this success in the upcoming 2026‑27 season. Coach Blakeney and the support staff, including communications specialist Amanda Needham, are focused on sustaining the competitive edge while expanding the narrative reach that earned the Telly accolades.