By: Hope Hensley
July 15, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Westmont men's basketball program has been recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, earning the 2025-26 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award after posting a team GPA of 3.25 during the academic year. In addition, seven Warriors student-athletes were named to the NABC Honors Court for their outstanding achievements in the classroom.
The NABC Team Academic Excellence Award recognizes men's basketball programs that complete the academic year with a team grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. The award celebrates programs across all levels of collegiate basketball that demonstrate a commitment to success both on the court and in the classroom.
The NABC Honors Court recognizes junior, senior, and graduate student-athletes who finish the academic year with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
"College basketball student-athletes do incredible things on the court, but their achievements in the classroom are equally worthy of celebration," said NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson. "Education is one of the NABC's core values, and the hundreds of programs and thousands of athletes represented on these awards reinforce the commitment to academic success that exists across all levels of our sport."
Westmont head coach Justin Leslie praised the seven Warriors recognized on the NABC Honors Court, highlighting their dedication to excellence in all areas of their lives.
"The young men receiving this award represent the core of who Westmont basketball is and what we are about," said Leslie. "They are serious about who they are as learners in the classroom just as they are serious about who they are when they compete on the court. They set the tone for our team with their outstanding example throughout the year."
Westmont's seven NABC Honors Court selections include:
Leslie also emphasized the importance of the team's collective commitment to academic success and the culture of accountability within the program.
"With a rich tradition of success on and off the court within our program, there is an expectation that every member of our program approaches academics and athletics with a high level of focus and discipline," said Leslie. "This honor reflects the commitment of our young men, not just in their own studies, but in holding their teammates accountable to a high standard."
"I am very proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to continued growth and God-honoring excellence within the basketball program," Leslie added.
The Warriors will continue to represent Westmont both on and off the court this summer as the program prepares for an international trip to Taiwan to compete in the 2026 BLIA Cup. The opportunity will allow the team to grow together through competition, cultural experiences, and community engagement.
As part of the trip, Westmont Athletics is inviting supporters to follow along and partner with the program through the Coach's Circle, providing an opportunity for alumni, friends, and supporters to invest in the men's basketball program and its continued mission of developing student-athletes.
The Warriors' recognition through the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award and NABC Honors Court selections reflects Westmont's commitment to developing student-athletes who pursue excellence academically, athletically, and spiritually.
