**“Academic Slam Dunk: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Men’s Basketball Earns NABC Team Academic Award with 10 Islanders Named to Honors Court”**
Texas A\&M-Corpus Christi men’s basketball has long prided itself on grit, athleticism, and team-first mentality on the court. But now, the Islanders are being recognized for something equally important off the hardwood—excellence in the classroom. The team has been honored with the prestigious National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award, a distinction given to programs that collectively achieve high academic standards throughout the year. Even more impressively, 10 individual players have earned spots on the NABC Honors Court, a testament to their personal commitment to academic success and balance.
The announcement, made from the NABC’s national headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, represents a landmark achievement for the Islanders program. In an era where college athletics continues to emphasize holistic development of student-athletes, Texas A\&M-Corpus Christi has positioned itself as a leader, proving that winning isn’t only measured by points on a scoreboard but also by grades in a classroom. This recognition not only reflects the tireless efforts of the players but also highlights the institutional support system of coaches, academic advisors, and faculty that helps foster a culture where education thrives.
For a program operating in the competitive environment of NCAA Division I basketball, the challenges of balancing practice, travel, and game schedules with coursework and academic obligations can be overwhelming. Yet, the Islanders have managed to meet that challenge head-on. To be eligible for the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award, a team must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher across all student-athletes during the academic year. Texas A\&M-Corpus Christi not only met that threshold—they soared past it, setting a new internal benchmark for academic achievement.
On an individual level, the NABC Honors Court requires student-athletes to be upperclassmen—juniors or seniors—who have maintained at least a 3.2 GPA for the academic year. Having ten players meet this standard speaks volumes about the consistency and discipline embedded within the program’s culture. These young men are not only key contributors on the court but also leaders in the academic setting, serving as role models to their peers and younger teammates.
The significance of these awards goes far beyond a plaque or press release. They represent countless late-night study sessions after road games, early morning classes following grueling practices, and the sacrifices these student-athletes make to succeed in both arenas of their lives. It’s about the time management skills they develop, the maturity they demonstrate, and the drive to not let one area of life slip at the expense of another.
For head coach Jim Shaw, this recognition is more than just a point of pride—it’s validation of a core program philosophy. From the moment he took the reins at Texas A\&M-Corpus Christi, Shaw has preached accountability, discipline, and the value of education. Under his guidance, the program hasn’t merely focused on basketball strategies or recruiting talent; it has invested in character building and academic integrity. Shaw has repeatedly emphasized that preparing players for life after basketball is a top priority, and these honors affirm that his message is being heard—and internalized.
Assistant coaches and academic support staff also play a crucial role. From organizing tutoring sessions to helping navigate class schedules during the season, their behind-the-scenes efforts often go unnoticed but are instrumental to the program’s academic success. Their work ensures players remain eligible, of course, but more importantly, that they’re empowered to pursue their degrees with purpose and confidence.
The broader university community has rallied around the team’s academic accomplishments as well. Texas A\&M-Corpus Christi administrators and faculty have continually reinforced the importance of integrating athletics into the wider mission of the university. By offering resources like the Islanders Athletics Academic Center, mentorship opportunities, and tailored support services, the institution has created an environment where student-athletes are expected to—and do—excel.
Moreover, this recognition carries weight beyond the campus borders. The NABC, as the primary professional association for men’s college basketball coaches, has a long-standing tradition of promoting academic excellence as a pillar of its mission. Being featured among the list of award recipients enhances the university’s national academic reputation, helping recruit future student-athletes who value both educational opportunity and athletic competition.
For the ten Islanders named to the NABC Honors Court, this accolade will likely stand as one of the most meaningful of their collegiate careers. While game-winning shots and highlight-reel dunks are fleeting, the honor of academic distinction has lifelong value. These players are showing prospective employers, graduate programs, and communities that they possess the diligence, intelligence, and perseverance needed to thrive beyond college athletics. They are examples of what it means to be truly student-athletes—not athletes who happen to take classes, but individuals who hold themselves to the highest standards in every facet of their lives.
The impact of such recognition also resonates within the local Corpus Christi community. As the only Division I basketball program in the area, Texas A\&M-Corpus Christi serves as a beacon for young students and aspiring athletes across South Texas. Seeing their basketball heroes achieve academically is a powerful motivator, reinforcing the message that school matters and that success isn’t limited to the court. Community members, many of whom support the team by attending games and volunteering at events, now have even more reason to take pride in the Islanders.
This year’s honor could very well be a launching pad for further success. Programs that emphasize academic achievement often find that this culture of discipline and commitment naturally spills into athletic performance. When players are organized, responsible, and self-motivated off the court, they’re more likely to be coachable, focused, and resilient during games. The same habits that lead to high GPAs—like preparation, focus, and persistence—are the exact attributes that win close contests and fuel postseason runs.
Looking ahead, the challenge now becomes sustaining and building upon this success. The bar has been set higher, and the expectations for future teams will follow suit. Younger players, including incoming freshmen and sophomores, now have a clear example to follow. With ten upperclassmen demonstrating that academic excellence is attainable and celebrated, the culture is self-reinforcing. The program doesn’t need to rely solely on coaches to preach academics—the leadership is already embedded within the team.
For fans of the Islanders, this milestone is a reminder that success comes in many forms. While the thrill of victory and March Madness aspirations dominate headlines, achievements like the NABC Team Academic Award are equally worthy of celebration. They highlight the type of well-rounded, disciplined individuals that Texas A\&M-Corpus Christi is helping shape. These young men won’t just leave college with stats and records—they’ll leave with degrees, honor, and the preparation needed to make an impact in the world.
There’s a deeper message to be taken from all of this, especially in a time when the role of college athletics is increasingly scrutinized. Critics often question whether universities are doing enough to support student-athletes beyond the sport. The Islanders’ example sends a clear answer. Not only are these athletes being supported—they’re thriving. And their achievements should inspire other programs to take note and follow suit.
In a broader sense, this recognition is also a reminder of what college athletics at its best can represent: an arena where young people grow not just as athletes, but as scholars, leaders, and citizens. Texas A\&M-Corpus Christi men’s basketball has taken that mission to heart, and their latest accolade from the NABC stands as a proud and lasting symbol of that commitment. The Islanders didn’t just win in the classroom—they showed the nation what it means to pursue excellence in every area of life.
