KANSAS CITY, MO. - The Saint Martin's University Men's Basketball Team has achieved an extraordinary feat, leading the GNAC with nine players named to the NABC Honor's Court and securing a Team Academic Excellence Award for the third consecutive year. This achievement is a testament to the team's commitment to academic excellence, as well as their prowess on the basketball court.
Head Coach Aaron Landon expressed his immense pride in his student-athletes' accomplishments, stating, "These accolades from the NABC reflect the incredible work ethic, focus, and determination that our student-athletes have sustained over the past year. The traits that make us an elite academic group are the same traits that have won GNAC Championships the past two seasons. Our guys have established a culture and standard of excellence that is inspiring to be around, I am incredibly proud of them."
The NABC Honor's Court is an exclusive recognition, and the presence of nine outstanding players from Saint Martin's University showcases their dedication to maintaining high academic standards while excelling in their athletic pursuits. Their ability to balance the demands of both academics and basketball exemplifies the true spirit of a scholar-athlete.
Among the distinguished scholars were Branden Bunn, majoring in Education as a senior, Christian Haffner pursuing Business Administration as a senior, and Devin Owens, a junior studying Communications.
Also making a remarkable academic impact were Hunter Sipe, a grad student studying Business Administration, and Jaden Nielsen-Skinner, a junior excelling in Communications. Other honorees include Kyle Greeley, a senior dedicated to his studies in Business Administration, and Marcus Lenker, who pursued a degree in Engineering as a senior.
Rounding out the list of esteemed student-athletes were Tyke Thompson, a junior majoring in Education, and Veljko Ilic, a senior making strides in Environmental Studies. These nine individuals exemplify the core values of the Saint Martin's Men's Basketball Team, proving that success on the court goes hand-in-hand with academic excellence.
Beyond the individual recognitions, the team's collective efforts have earned them the prestigious Team Academic Excellence Award for three consecutive years. This remarkable achievement underscores the team's commitment to academic success, demonstrating that they are not only talented athletes but also diligent students.
With an impressive 2022-23 Team GPA of 3.39, the Saint Martin's Men's Basketball Team stands as a beacon of academic achievement at the university. Their unwavering focus on academic excellence has propelled them to achieve the highest GPA among all men's sports teams at Saint Martin's and the second-highest among men's basketball teams in the GNAC.
Moreover, the team's academic accomplishments extend to the GNAC All-Academic Team, with five student-athletes earning this prestigious recognition. This serves as a testament to the team's commitment to fostering a culture that values not only athletic success but also academic growth and achievement.
Head Coach Aaron Landon's emphasis on the correlation between academic excellence and championship victories highlights the team's holistic approach to success. It reflects the determination and resilience of the student-athletes, who have embraced a culture of excellence both on and off the court.
