St. Olaf College’s men’s basketball program has once again been celebrated for its commitment to academic excellence, earning the National Association of Basketball Coaches Team Academic Excellence Award for the seventh straight year. The recognition underscores the program’s ability to blend competitive play with rigorous scholarship.
Award criteria and performance
To qualify, a team must maintain a collective GPA of at least 3.0 across the entire roster, a benchmark that the Oles have comfortably exceeded. During the 2025‑26 academic year, the team posted a cumulative GPA of 3.59, reflecting sustained high performance in the classroom.
The NABC Honors Court further highlights individual scholarly achievement, recognizing juniors, seniors and graduate students who carry a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. This season, two Oles earned that distinction, reinforcing the program’s depth of talent both on the hardwood and in the lecture hall.
Rising senior Chris Willis and Kobe Kirk '26 were named to the NABC Honors Court, a testament to their academic perseverance. Kirk’s selection marks the second consecutive year he has received the honor, illustrating a consistent record of academic excellence.
Head coach Dan Kosmoski praised the student‑athletes for their dedication, noting that the team’s success is driven by a culture that values scholarship as much as sport. ‘Our players understand that achievement in the classroom is a foundation for success on the court,’ he said.