Breaking: Ole Miss Men’s Basketball | We have earned an NABC Team Academic
The Ole Miss Men’s Basketball team has once again proven that excellence isn’t confined to the court. The Rebels have been recognized with the prestigious National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award, a testament to their dedication and achievements in the classroom. This honor reflects the program’s commitment to fostering student-athletes who thrive both athletically and academically.
Established to recognize outstanding academic performance across men’s collegiate basketball, the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award is given to programs that maintain a cumulative team GPA of 3.0 or higher during the academic year. For Ole Miss, this accolade highlights not only individual discipline but also a culture of accountability and teamwork that extends beyond game day.
Earning this recognition requires consistent focus and a strong support system. Head Coach Chris Beard, who has made academic responsibility a core value since joining the program, expressed pride in his team’s off-court accomplishments.
“This honor means a lot to us,” said Beard. “We’ve worked hard to establish a program that develops our players as complete individuals. Competing at a high level in the SEC is no small task, and our guys have shown they can handle the pressures of college basketball while staying committed to their academic responsibilities. I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Several players were also individually praised for making the SEC Academic Honor Roll earlier this year, further highlighting the academic strength of the squad. The program has made steady progress in strengthening its academic culture, thanks in part to increased collaboration with university advisors, customized tutoring support, and a structured academic plan tailored for each player.
The Rebels’ success in the classroom complements the strides made on the hardwood. Last season, Ole Miss showed promise under new leadership, and with a foundation built on discipline, the future looks bright not just in terms of wins and losses but in producing well-rounded graduates.
University officials also celebrated the announcement, with Athletic Director Keith Carter praising the student-athletes and the support staff who help them balance sports and education.
“Our basketball program is raising the standard in every aspect,” Carter stated. “The NABC Team Academic Excellence Award is a reflection of the leadership from our coaching staff and the dedication of our student-athletes. They are a great example of what it means to be a Rebel.”
As academic expectations across collegiate athletics continue to rise, Ole Miss is setting a standard for holistic development. The NABC recognition underscores a growing narrative in Oxford: that the pursuit of championships and classroom excellence are not mutually exclusive.
While trophies and tournament bids will always be part of the game’s goals, achievements like this add a deeper layer to what it means to succeed. The Ole Miss Men’s Basketball team has earned an NABC Team Academic Excellence Award—and in doing so, they’ve proven that true victory begins with integrity, responsibility, and hard work.
Their performance off the court reminds us all that winning in life starts with being a student first.
