Small College Basketball

The creation of the NABC NCAA Division III Tournament Series has been announced! This is a big deal for NCAA Division III basketball, with 16 total teams competing in two locations (Las Vegas & San Antonio). Read about the details within the article above, and then watch the YouTube Show with some of the prominent figures within NCAA DIII basketball talking about this new, big event. Here's the link to the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ8BMA5Fom4

I'm so happy for Bennett Stirtz.....

From Liberty High School (MO), he had two NCAA DII offers: William Jewell and Northwest Missouri State. Stirtz signed with NW MO State to play for Coach Ben McCollum. He opened his collegiate career by picking up two wins in the 2022 Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Lakeland, FL. Stirtz came off the bench and played 27 minutes, going 6-6 fg (1-1 on 3's) and 2-2 ft's to finish with 15 points, 5 assists and 0 turnovers in a big 78-62 win over West Texas A&M. Eventually, Stirtz helped the Bearcats to 31-3 and win the MIAA regular season and tournament titles....and was named as the MIAA Freshman of the Year.

As a sophomore, Stirtz and the Bearcats played in the Small College Basketball Champions Classic at Northern State, and he eventually helped lead NW MO State to a 29-5 overall record, while winning the MIAA regular season and tournament championships again. He was named Second Team All MIAA.

When Coach Ben McCollum became the Head Coach at Drake, Bennett followed him, and played his junior season at Drake.....where he was so good that he led Drake to the NCAA Tournament where they picked up a win over Missouri in the NCAA Tournament, and Stirtz was named as the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year.

After spending roughly 9 months at Drake, Coach McCollum became the Head Coach at Iowa, and once again, Bennett followed him, this time to become a Hawkeye at Iowa. This time, Bennett was so good at Iowa, in the Big Ten, that he was named First Team All Big Ten.....and now, just a few hours ago, Bennett Stirtz was just picked in the first round of the NBA Draft, and will now be playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Bennett comes from a wonderful family, and he's just a class act, humble young man. It's been an impressive, wild journey that has taken him - in 4+ years - from Liberty High School to Northwest Missouri State to Drake to Iowa.....and now to the NBA.

Congratulations, Bennett Stirtz!

Here's the video of the press conference where we announced the teams and matchups for the 2026 Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic AND the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The press conference was held at Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City on Sunday, April 26, in conjunction with the Small College Basketball National Awards Show.

Fort Myers, FL– Small College Basketball and the Hall of Fame Committee are thrilled to unveil the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This year’s class brings together an extraordinary group of coaches, players, and contributors whose excellence has defined and elevated the game at the small college level. From record-breaking performances to championship leadership and lasting contributions to the sport, the Class of 2026 represents the very best of small college basketball. Their achievements have not only stood the test of time but have helped shape the future of the game in meaningful and lasting ways. John McCarthy had this to say about this year’s class:

"What an impressive and accomplished Hall of Fame Class!,” mentioned McCarthy. “The Class of 2026 is the 10th induction class into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame, and we are excited to welcome this special group into the elite group of people known as Hall of Famers. We are so grateful to Visit Central Florida Sports and Florida Southern College for their continued support in hosting the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and surrounding events. Congratulations to the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026!"

Players Joe Behling (Belmont) Dominez Burnett (Davenport) Jeff Gibbs (Otterbein) Kyle Mangas (Indiana Wesleyan) Pete Metzelaars (Wabash) Andrew Olson (Amherst) Justin Pitts (Northwest Missouri) Kyle Steigenga (Cornerstone) Michael Thomas (North Park) Aaron Walton - Moss (Cabrini)

Coach Steve Moore (Wooster & Muhlenberg)

Contributor John McCarthy (Small College Basketball)

This year’s Hall of Fame Class marks the 10 th class inducted into the Small College Basketball National Hall of Fame. The National Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Friday November 6 th inside the Polk Theatre in Lakeland, FL. The Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Committee consists of the following individuals: Don Landry, Roy Pickerill, Jim Nelson, Doug Palm, Rich Zvosec, Gary Stewart, Mike Lightfoot, John Rinka, Jim Poteet, Greg Moore, Bob Hoffman, Joe Niland, Bob Wilson, Greg Grant, Charlie Brock, Rusty Osborne, Rick Byrd, and Pat Cunningham.

For more information regarding the Small College Basketball National Hall of Fame please head to smallcollegebasketball.com.

Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Bio’s

Players

Joe Behling, Belmont Three-time NAIA All-American (1988, 1989, 1990) … In 1989, Behling was named NAIA National Player of the year, as he scored an astonishing 1,071 points (averaging 31.5 ppg for the season - including a program-record 58 points against Lipscomb Mar. 4 - in leading Belmont to its first NAIA National Tournament. … all-time leading scorer with 2,823 points…averaged 26.4 points per game and shot 65 percent from the field for his career… had his No. 54 retired…compiled a 71-26 record during his career…named the Tennessee Sports Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1990… inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2003…inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame, and jersey is retired at Belmont.

Dominez Burnett, Davenport (Mich.) Inaugural winner of the 2016 Bevo Francis Award Two-time NAIA Division II Player of the Year (2015 & 2016); Three-time NAIA All-American first team 2014, 2015, 2016; Three-time NAIA All-Tournament Team 2014, 2015, 2016 Four-time All-Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) first team 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 Scored 2,858 (20.4) points in 140 games All-time leading collegiate scorer in the history of the state of Michigan Recorded a streak of 70-straight games in double-figures Burnett led the NAIA in total steals (77) and total scoring (895).

Year G FG_FGA Pct 3FG-3A Pct FT-FTA Pct Reb Avg Ast BS St Pts Avg 2012-13 34 183-367 .499 23-84 .274 113-165 .685 163 4.8 66 17 51 502 14.8 2013-14 33 214-397 .539 21-70 .300 203-268 .757 180 5.5 78 12 47 652 19.8 2014-15 37 277-502 .552 41-106 .387 214-253 .846 263 7.1 115 22 58 809 21.9 2015-16 36 298-552 .540 47-143 .329 252-331 .761 269 7.5 111 23 77 895 24.9 Totals 140 972-1818 .535 132-403 .328 782-1017 .769 875 6.3 370 74 233 2858 20.4

Jeff Gibbs, Otterbein 1999 DIII News All-American third team; Two-time D3hoops.com All-American 2001 (second team), 2002 (first), 2002 NCAA Division III Championship Most Outstanding Player; 2002 NABC Division III Player of the Year; 2002 DIII News Player of the Year; 2002 D3hoops.com All-American first team; Won 2002 NCAA Division III national Championship (30-3); Two-time All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Player of the Year 2001, 2002; Three-time All-OAC first team; First in career rebounds – 1,496; Fifth in career scoring -1,924; First in career fg%: 63.8%; Led NCAA Division III in rebounding for three consecutive seasons (only player ever to achieve this feat); Otterbein University and Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame inductee

Year G FG FG% FT FT% REB RPG PTS PPG 1998-99 29 123-202 .609 51-86 .593 276 9.5 297 10.2 1999-00 23 162-264 .614 62-105 .590 307 13.3 386 16.8 2000-01 25 192-302 .638 105-153 .686 390 15.6 489 19.6 2001-02 32 281-421 .667 190-262 .725 523 16.3 752 23.5

Total 109 758-1189 .638 408-606 .673 1,496 13.7 1,924 17.7

Kyle Mangas, Indiana Wesleyan Kyle Mangas is one of the most accomplished players in the history of NAIA basketball. As a freshman, he led Indiana Wesleyan to the NAIA Division II National Championship, where he was named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. For the season, he averaged 21.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg & 2.9 apg and was named as the Crossroads League Player of the Year (first freshman to ever win the award) and First Team NAIA All American. During his senior season, he averaged 29.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg & 5.1 apg, while shooting 60.3% from the field. He led the nation in scoring, and his assist total was second in all of the NAIA during his senior year. For his career, Mangas finished with 3,453 points, 818 rebounds, 544 assists, 211 steals and 65 blocks. He shot 56.3% fg and 81.2% ft. He led his team to an overall record of 120-20, winning four consecutive Crossroads League regular season titles, three CL tournament titles, four berths in the NAIA Tournament, and the 2018 NAIA Division II National Championship. He was named as the Crossroads League Player of the Year all four years, First Team NAIA All American all four years, Crossroads League Male Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years, won the 2020 Bevo Francis Award as a junior (the only junior to win the award – and it was not awarded during his senior season due to Covid), was named as the NAIA Division II National Player of the Year as a junior, was named the NAIA Player of the Year during his senior season and was named as the NAIA Academic All American of the Year during his senior season.

Pete Metzelaars, Wabash 1982 NABC Division III All-American first team; 1982 NCAA Division III Championship Most Outstanding Player; Won 1982 NCAA Division III national championship (24-4); NCAA Division III Record career field goal percentage – 72.4 (784-1083); First in career rebounds – 1,176 (11.4); Scored 1,976 points (19.2); Wabash College Athletics Hall of Fame inductee

Year G FG-FGA FG% FT-FTA FT% Reb Avg Pts Avg 1978-79 24 122-170 .718 52-84 .619 191 7.9 296 12.3 1979-80 26 187-270 .693 103-159 .648 295 11.3 477 18.3 1980-81 25 204-283 .720 117-160 .737 320 12.8 525 21.0 1981-82 28 271-360 .753 136-195 .697 370 13.2 678 24.2 Totals 103 784-1083 .724 408-598 .682 1176 11.4 1976 19.2

Andrew Olson, Amherst Two-time NABC Division III Player of the Year 2007, 2008 Two-time NABC Division III All America first team 2007, 2008 Two-time D3hoops.con All-American first team 2007, 2008 Won 2007 NCAA Division III National Championship (30-2) Two-time NESCAC Player of the Year 2007, 2008 First in career assists – 758 (sixth in NCAA Division III history) First in single game assists – 15 Twelfth in career scoring – 1,238 Twice a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award 2007, 2008 His four-year record 111-12.

Year G FG-FGA Pct 3FG-A Pct FT-FTA Pct Reb Avg A BS St Pts Avg 2004-05 28 72-151 .477 13-42 .310 41-51 .804 62 2.2 113 1 24 198 7.0 2005-06 32 110-226 .487 35-73 .479 46-50 .920 56 1.8 179 0 34 301 9.4 2006-07 32 125-270 .463 53-133 .398 52-60 .867 81 2.5 243 2 36 355 11.1

2007-08 31 130-263 .494 50-108 .463 74-89 .831 75 2.4 223 3 41 384 12.4 Totals 123 437-919 .480 151-356 .424 213-250 .852 274 2.8 758 6 135 1238 10.1

Justin Pitts, Northwest Missouri 2017 NABC, Basketball Times and Division II Bulletin, D2CCA Division II Player of the Year Two-timeNABC Division II All-American first team 2017, 2018 Two-time Division II Bulletin All-American first team 2017, 2018 Won 2016 NCAA Division II National Championship (35-1) Three-time MIAA Player of the Year 2016, 2017, 2018 Four-time All-MIAA first team 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Three-time MIAA Tournament Most Valuable Player 2016, 2017, 2018 Won 2016 Bevo Francis Award for top small college player Second in career scoring – 2,359 (19.8); assists – 575 (4.6) His four-year record – 114-18.

Year G FG-FGA Pct 3FG-A Pct FT-FTA Pct Reb Avg A BS St Pts Avg 2014-15 28 172-311 .553 51-103 .495 87-192 .853 79 2.8 92 4 45 482 17.2 2015-16 32 253-455 .556 80-162 .494 107-138 .775 196 3.3 160 3 47 693 21.7 2016-17 36 275-553 .497 80-204 .392 124-145 .855 125 3.4 183 6 53 754 20.9 2017-18 28 187-362 .517 60-155 .387 96-112 .857 71 2.5 149 0 41 530 18.9 Totals 124 887-1681 .528 271-624 .434 414-497 .833 381 3.1 575 13 186 2459 19.8

Kyle Steigenga, Cornerstone 2017-18: NAIA All-American First Team and National Player of the Year…became first MBB player in NAIA history to make the first team in all four years…FirstTeam All-WHAC and WHAC Player of the Year…Went over 3,000 career points and now holds the state of Michigan all-time points lead (3,023)…Averaged 20.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per night…finished with 13 double-doubles…Named to NAIA DII National Tournament Team…His 332 points and 135 rebounds rank first all-time at the NAIA DII National Tournament…named the Emil Liston award winner 2016-17: NAIA All-American First Team…First Team All-WHAC and WHAC Player of the Year… …Went over 2,000 career points…Averaged 21.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per night…finished with 20 double- doubles…Named to NAIA DII National Tournament Team…828 points ranks 5th all-time at Cornerstone for single season…371 rebounds ranks 3rd in single season at CU 2015-16: NAIA All-American First Team…First Team All-WHAC…1st Team CoSIDA Academic All- American…Led the Golden Eagles in scoring (21.0) and was second in rebounding (7.1)…Had 33 double- figure scoring games…Started in all 34 games 2014-15: NAIA All-American First Team… Named NAIA National Tournament MVP… Named WHAC Newcomer of the Year and was named a All-WHAC First Team…Ranked second in the country in field goal percentage at 68.2%… fourth in the country in total scoring with 772 points… Ranked ninth in total rebounding at 291 rebounds…Started all 38 games averaged a team high 20.3 PPG and a team second high 7.7 RPG… Recorded 24 blocks his freshman season for 2nd highest on the team. Led Cornerstone to a 33-5 record and the 2015 NAIA Division II National Championship as a Freshman, and was named National Tournament MVP, and was named First Team NAIA DII All American. Four- time First Team All WHAC and two-time WHAC Player of the Year. He led the Golden Eagles to an overall four-year record of 124-21, winning the 2015 NAIA Division II National Championship. Steigenga averaged over 20 ppg in each of his four seasons and finished with 3,023 points, 1,201 rebounds and 271 assists, while shooting 63.5% fg for his career.

Michael Thomas, North Park Two-time NABC Division III All-American 1980 (second team), 1981 (first) 1979 Associated Press Little All-American first team 1980 NCAA Division III Championship Most Outstanding Player Won three consecutive NCAA Division III National Championships 1978 (29-2); 1979 (26-5); 1980 (28-3); Two-time NCAA Division III Championship All-Tournament Team 1979, 1980, 1981 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Most Outstanding player Four-time All-CCIW 1978 and 1979 (second team); 1980 and 1981 (first team) First in career scoring – 2,085 (17.7); assists – 701 (5.9); steals – 257 (2.2); His four-year record 99-22

Year G FG-FGA Pct FT-FTA Pct Reb Avg Pts Avg 1977-78 31 190-387 .491 67-89 .753 97 3.1 447 14.4 1978-79 28 205-429 .477 42-52 .807 58 2.1 452 16.1 1979-80 31 238-447 .532 60-74 .811 80 2.6 536 17.3 1980-81 28 263-527 .499 124-147 .844 142 5.1 650 23.2 Totals 118 896-1790 .501 303-362 .837 377 3.2 2085 17.7

Aaron Walton-Moss, Cabrini Two-time NABC Division III Player of the Year 2014, 2015 Two-time NABC Division III All-American first team 2014, 2015 Three-time D3hoops.com All-American first team 2013, 2014 2015 2012 D3hoops.com Rookie of the Year Led 2014 Division III in assists, triple-doubles (9) and defensive rebounds (9.6) Three-time Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Player of the Year 2013, 2014, 2015 Two-time ECAC South Player of the Year Second in scoring – 1,641 (8.4); rebounds - 906 (10.2); Third in career assists – 495 (5.6); fifth in steals – 166 (1.9) Posted 44 double-doubles and five triple-doubles; Four-year record 99-20.

Year G FG-FGA Pct 3FG-3A Pct FT-FTA Pct Reb Avg Ast BS St Pts Avg 2011-12 19 85-147 .578 2-8 .250 46-64 .719 164 8.6 34 11 33 218 11.5 2012-13 22 140-269 .520 7-31 .226 47-78 .603 199 9.0 110 15 45 334 15.2 2013-14 24 225-387 .581 21-60 .350 123-158 .778 262 10.9 141 13 37 594 24.8 2014-15 24 179-384 .466 20-81 .247 117-153 .765 281 11.7 210 20 51 495 20.6 Totals 89 829-1187 .530 50-180 .278 333-453 .735 906 10.2 495 59 166 1641 18.4

Coach

Steve Moore, Wooster & Muhlenberg He kicked off his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ohio University. From 1976 to 1981, he served as an assistant coach at Wittenberg, helping the team capture an NCAA Division III national championship in 1977. From 1981 to 1987, he was the head coach of Muhlenberg College, where he recorded 87 wins and 65 defeats. In 1987, Moore was named head men's basketball coach of The College of Wooster. Moore retired from coaching following the Fighting Scots' loss in the first round of the 2019-20 NCAA Division III basketball tournament. When he retired in 2020, Moore had a record of 867 wins and 253 losses (780-188 at Wooster), ranking 12th in all-time men's basketball wins, regardless of division. He also was second all-time in games won in the NCAA Division III, when leaving Wooster. While at Wooster, his players received a total of 21 All-America accolades. Under Moore's guidance, Wooster had a record of 522 wins and 113 victories in the 2000s, which made the Fighting Scots the winningest NCAA Division III team of the century. Moore was named North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Coach of the Year nine times and is a five-time NABC Great Lakes District Coach of the Year. In 2008, he was presented with NABC's "Guardians of the Game" award.

Contributor

John McCarthy, Small College Basketball John McCarthy has been involved in college basketball at the small college levels for 35 years. He’s served as an assistant coach (Wilmington College – now University and Lynn University), Head Coach (Wilmington College – now University), Athletic Director (Lynn University), and a member of the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee. From 2007-2012, McCarthy served as the Director of the historic NAIA Tournament at Municipal Auditorium, and he led the celebration of the NAIA’s 75h Anniversary.

McCarthy also founded the Collegiate Basketball Invitational, which brought together the top small college players in the country for a large-scale national event. During his time in Kansas City, McCarthy led the initiative to brand Kansas City as the College Basketball Capital of America.

Fort Myers, FL – Small College Basketball is extremely excited to announce the teams and matchups for the 2026 Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. The 2026 Hall of Fame Classic brings together some of the best programs from across the country. This year’s event will once again take place in Lakeland, FL and inside the Jenkins Fieldhouse on the campus of Florida Southern College. The tournament tips off on Saturday November 7 th and concludes on Sunday November 8 th . Small College Basketball is proud to partner with Visit Central Florida Sports, Florida Southern College, and the D2 Conference Commissioners Association. John McCarthy had this to say about the 2026 Hall of Fame Classic:

"This field is loaded! Division II basketball fans rejoice!,” stated McCarthy. “Basketball fans from throughout the country will really enjoy watching some of the finest teams in all of NCAA Division II compete in the most prestigious in-season event in NCAA Division II basketball. We are tremendously grateful to Visit Central Florida Sports, Florida Southern College, and the D2 Conference Commissioners Association for their continued support of Small College Basketball and the Hall of Fame Classic."

2026 marks the fifth straight year that the event will feature 10 teams. The Hall of Fame Classic started in 2016 in Evansville, IN. The HOF Classic would then move to St. Joseph, MO, before heading to Lakeland, FL in 2022. During the COVID year of 2020 the event did not take place.

The Hall of Fame Classic continues to stand as one of the premier early-season showcases in NCAA Division II men’s basketball, annually bringing together top programs from across the country for a high level competitive stage. The 2026 edition will once again feature a full slate of action, with five games tipping off on Saturday and another five contests set for Sunday. The complete list of participating teams and matchups can be found below. For additional details on the Hall of Fame Classic and all things Small College Basketball, visit smallcollegebasketball.com.

Come on out to the Small College Basketball Social at the Final Four on Saturday, from 2:00-3:30. It's free, and we'll have an open bar.

During this event, we'll announce the following:

The Finalists for the Ryan Turell Character & Inspiration Award

The Finalists for the Bevo Francis Award

The Finalists for the Trevor Hudgins Award

The Winner of the 2026 Harry Statham Coach of Impact Award

The Winner of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award

This event is open for all small college basketball Head Coaches AND assistant coaches, and we'll gladly welcome former small college coaches, as well.

Small College Basketball Reveals 2026 Bevo Francis Top 25 Watch List

Ft. Myers, FL – Small College Basketball and the National Awards Committee are proud to present the Bevo Francis Top 25 Watch List for the 2025–26 season. The prestigious list recognizes 25 standout student-athletes from across NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, USCAA, and NCCAA programs who have made a significant impact this season. Through their leadership, consistency, and outstanding play, these individuals have risen to the forefront of small college basketball nationwide. John McCarthy had the following to say about this year’s Top 25 Watch List:

"Congratulations to the players on the Bevo Francis Award Watch List of 25 players,” mentioned McCarthy. “This is a very elite group of players that have had outstanding seasons, and they have led their respective teams to tremendous success. What an accomplishment to be listed on the Bevo Francis Award Watch List of 25 players! Thank you to the Small College Basketball National Awards Committee for their tremendous insight in this process."

The Clarence “Bevo” Francis Award is presented annually to the player who has had the finest overall season within Small College Basketball. Considerations will be season statistics and individual achievements, awards, personal character and team achievements. This is an incrediblyprestigious award, as this award will only be given to one player within Small College Basketball per season.

2026 marks the 10 th year of the Bevo Francis Award. Past winners include Dominez Burnett of Davenport University in 2016, Justin Pitts of Northwest Missouri State University in 2017, Emanuel Terry of Lincoln Memorial University in 2018, Aston Francis of Wheaton College in 2019, Kyle Mangas of Indiana Wesleyan University in 2020 and Trevor Hudgins of Northwest Missouri State University in 2022. In 2023, RJ Sunahara of Nova Southeastern was named the winner, while in 2024 Elijah Malone of GraceCollege received the honor. Last year MJ Iraldi of Nova Southeastern was named the 2025 winner. The award was not presented during the 2021 season.

On April 4th, the finalists of this year’s award will be announced, followed by the Bevo Francis Award winner being crowned on April 6th.

The Bevo Francis Awards Committee consists of the following coaches: Gary Stewart – UC-Merced, Chris Briggs - Georgetown (Ky.), Mike Donnelly – Florida Southern, Richard Westerlund – Northwestern (OH), Mark Vanderslice – USC – Aiken, Matt O’Brien – Southwestern (KS), Chris Wright – Langston (OK), Justin Leslie – Westmont, Raul Placeres – Maryville College (TN), Chris Martin – Loras (IA), John Lamanna – Whitman (WA), Brian Miller – MSOE, Justin Downer – Point Loma Nazarene, Matt Capell – STAC, Scott Moore – Grace, Keven Bradley – Hillsdale, Mark Rutledge – Southern Arkansas, Chase Tiechmann – Georgia Gwinnett, Mick Hedgepeth – Alabama Huntsville.

To stay up to date on all things Small College Basketball or to learn more about the Bevo Francis Award, please head to smallcollegebasketball.com.

2025-26 Bevo Francis Award Watch List of 25 Players

I'll remember this night..... The night that I was there in-person to witness Nova Southeastern winning their 100th consecutive home game. I don't think that I'll likely ever see this happen again in my lifetime.

What Coach Jim Crutchfield has built at Nova Southeastern is truly special and historical. Just a few numbers:

2021-22: 31-1 (31 straight wins, reached the NCAA DII Elite Eight); 2022-23: 36-0 (NCAA DII National Champions); 2023-24: 32-3 (Reached the NCAA DII National Championship Game); 2024-25: 36-1 (NCAA Division II National Champions); 2025-26: Currently 25-1, ranked #1 in NCAA DII & riding a 19-game win streak.

As such, since resuming basketball after cancelling the season due to Covid, Nova Southeastern is currently 160-6, playing in four straight Elite Eights, winning two National Championships, and currently 25-1 and ranked #1 in the country.

The last time that Nova Southeastern lost a game in Rick Case Arena was on February 15, 2020. That's now more than six years ago! After tonight's win over Rollins (who was really tough!), the Sharks have now won 100 consecutive home wins. 100 straight home wins! Just remarkable and historic, as this has never been done in the history of NCAA Division II men's basketball. Ever!

There's not a player on the roster that has ever lost a game at home. Think about that..... Ryan Davis, a senior, has played his entire career for Nova Southeastern, and he's never lost a game at home. He's also never finished a season - in his first three seasons thus far - where he didn't finish the season in the NCAA Division II National Championship game.

It's hard to describe what Coach Crutchfield has built at Nova....... I mean, 160-6 over the course of almost five seasons, playing a tough schedule, conference tournaments, regional tournaments and Elite Eights. It's hard to fathom.... 160-6! 100 consecutive home wins! This stuff has never been done in the history of NCAA Division II basketball, and I think that it's likely that I'll never seee this again in my lifetime.

..........

The year before Coach Jim Crutchfield arrived at Nova Southeastern, the Sharks were 6-20, and 3-15 in the Sunshine State Conference. At the moment, he's 229-26 at Nova, and 588-87 overall (including his tenure at West Liberty). That's an 89.8% winning percentage at Nova Southeastern, and an overall winning percentage of 87.1%. For perspective, this is the highest career winning percentage in the history of NCAA basketball, at any level, ever. EVER. By any coach (with more than 10 years as a Head Coach).....EVER.

..........

Aside from the staggering, historical numbers, there's this: These guys - the coaches, players and former players - are a bunch of really good guys. It's easy to root for guys that are so nice. Guys that work so incredibly hard. Guys that share the ball, defend, play with passion. Guys that compete like crazy. Guys that are confident, yet still humble.

Congratulations to Coach Jim Crutchfield, Nick Smith, R.J. Sunahara and all of the current and former players that made tonight a reality.

..........

Here's the game story, along with an awesome graphic at the top of the story, and some great quotes about this historical win at the bottom of the article:

Tomorrow night (Tuesday, March 3), in Rick Case Arena in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southestern seeks to become the first team in NCAA Division II history to win 100 consective home games. Tip off against Rollins is set for 7:30 EST.....and yes, I'll be there, in-person. I don't think that I'll likely ever see a moment like this within men's small college basketball again in my lifetime.

The last game that Nova played in the "Shark Tank" (Rick Case Arena is affectionately known as the Shark Tank), they just barely edged Rollins, 75-69, in a game where Rollins held the lead with 1:50 remaining in the game. The Tars are well coached and this team took the Sharks to brink last week, where Nova eventually earned their 99th consecutive win at home.

The last time that Nova Southeastern lost a game in Rick Case Arena was Saturday, February 15, 2020, against Florida Southern. The streak then started on Wednesday, February 26 - Senior Night - against Barry, and then they won a couple more home games, before falling on the road in the Sunshine State Conference Championship game to Florida Southern. The Sharks reached the NCAA DII Tournament, and we set to take on Embry-Riddle (Florida Southern was set to be the host), yet the NCAA Division II Tournament was cancelled, due to Covid-19. The Sharks finished the 2019-20 season with a 23-6 overall record, and then the entire 2020-21 season was cancelled for Nova Southeastern - and the whole Sunshine State Conference - due to Covid-19.

Since then, the Sharks haven't lost at home. In 2021-22, then went 20-0 at home (and 31-1 overall, going undefeated all season, reaching the Elite Eight); in 2022-23, they went 21-0 at home (36-0 overall, winning the NCAA DII National Championship); in 2023-24, they went 20-0 at home (32-3 overall, reaching the NCAA DII National Championship game); in 2024-25, they went 20-0 at home (36-1 overall, winning the NCAA DII National Championship game); thus far in 2025-16, the Sharks are 15-0 at home (24-1 overall).

Notes:

The previous NCAA DII record for consecutive home wins was 80, held by Philadelphia University (now Jefferson University), led by legendary Coach Herb Magee. In talking with Coach Magee, he mentioned that he didn't think that their record would be broken in his lifetime.....and not only has Nova Southeastern broken this remarkable record, but they are 19 home wins past the previous record, on the verge of 100 consecutive home wins.

Coming into this game against Rollins in the opening round of the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, Coach Jim Crutchfield is 587-87 (between his tenure at West Liberty and Nova Southeastern), making him the winningest coach in the history of college basketball, by winning percentage, winning 85.9% of his games for his career. Truly remarkable, and a real coaching legend.

Think about this: There isn't a player on the roster that has ever lost a game at home.

Dallas Graziani, the heartbeat of the Nova Southeastern program, is currently 104-2 while wearing a Nova Southeastern uniform. He's played in two NCAA DII Tournaments, and the Sharks won both National Championships, meaning that he's currently 12-0 in NCAA Tournament games, winning the National Championship in both years. By percentage, he's the winningest player in the history of college basketball at the small college levels (for a player that's played the majority of his career at the small college levels).

Overall, since coming back from the pandemic, Nova Southeastern is currently 159-6. This is not a misprint: The Sharks are 159-6 since coming back from the pandemic.

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, could potentially be an incredibly historic night for Nova Southeastern and the game of college basketball......and I'm certainly excited to be there, as I don't think that I'll ever witness such a night again in my lifetime.

Congratulations to Coach Jim Crutchfiled and all of the players and staff that have made this day possible.

2026 Trevor Hudgins Award Top 15 Watch List Announced

Ft. Myers, FL – Recognizing career achievement at the highest level, Small College Basketball and the National Awards Committee announce the Trevor Hudgins Top 15 Watch List for the 2025–26 season. The award annually celebrates the senior whose four-year (or five-year) career has defined excellence across Small College Basketball. John McCarthy reflected on the significance of this year’s Top 15 honorees:

"Congratulations to the 15 players on the Trevor Hudgins Award Watch List,” stated McCarthy. “Each of them have had tremendous collegiate careers and helped lead their respective teams to a great level of success. This is a very elite group of seniors, and they should be recognized and celebrated. Thank you to the Small College Basketball National Awards Committee for their insight and information in this selection process, which is incredibly difficult."

The award is named in honor of Northwest Missouri State’s Trevor Hudgins, who had a historic career with the Bearcats. He led the Bearcats to three consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships. During his career, Hudgins started in every game and never missed one. He also never lost an NCAA Tournament game, leading the Bearcats to a remarkable 17-0 record in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Hudgins was named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022. He holds both the NWMSU scoring and assists records and finished his career with 2,829 points, which ranks first all time in the 110-year history of the MIAA.

The 2026 season marks the third time that the Trevor Hudgins Award will be awarded. In 2024 KJ Jones of Emannuel College was named the inaugural winner. Kaleb Lowery of The Master’s received the award in 2025. The video of the finalists will be released on Saturday April 4th, and the award winner will be announced through a video presentation on Monday April 6 th , at halftime of the NCAA Division I National Championship Game.

Considerations for the Trevor Hudgins Award are overall career statistics and achievements, team achievements, awards, and personal character. The player must have played his entire career at the small college level. This is the highest award given to a four-year (or five-year) player within Small College Basketball. The overall intent of the Trevor Hudgins Award is two-fold: 1) To keep the collegiate legacy of Trevor Hudgins alive and continue to tell his story to the next generation, and 2) To provide a national platform to honor outstanding players – and ultimately one player – within small college basketball on an annual basis. The Trevor Hudgins Award is sponsored by Ken & Jeanette Scribner and Northwest Missouri State University.

The Small College Basketball National Awards Committee consists of the following coaches: Gary Stewart - UC-Merced; Chris Briggs - Georgetown (Ky.); Mike Donnelly – Florida Southern, Richard Westerlund – Northwestern (OH); Mark Vanderslice – USC – Aiken, Matt O’Brien – Southwestern; (KS), Chris Wright – Langston (OK); Justin Leslie – Westmont; Raul Placeres – Maryville College (TN), Chris Martin – Loras (IA), John Lamanna – Whitman (WA), Brian Miller – MSOE, Justin Downer – Point Loma Nazarene; Matt Capell – STAC; Scott Moore – Grace; Keven Bradley – Hillsdale; Mark Rutledge – Southern Arkansas; Chase Tiechmann – Georgia Gwinnett; Mick Hedgepeth – Alabama-Huntsville.

For more information on the Trevor Hudgins Award or Small College Basketball, please head to smallcollegebasketball.com.

2025-26 Trevor Hudgins Award Watch List