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2024-25 NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll

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2024-25 NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll – Preseason (October 23)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Lions of Langston (Okla.) tip off the 2024-25 season atop of the NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Preseason Poll with 13 first-place votes after playing in the national championship game just a season ago. College of Idaho opens the new season ranked second with five first-place votes, Indiana Wesleyan ranks third; and Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) the 2023-24 national champions garnered two first-place votes and will begin their campaign in fourth. Eight teams begin the new season in the top 25 after not being ranked or receiving votes in the final poll of last season.

Poll Methodology:

  • The NAIA Men’s Basketball Poll is for publicity purposes only and has no weight or bearing in the selection process for national championship field consideration
  • The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences and Continental Athletic Conference (Independents)
  • The Top 25 is determined by a points system based on how each voter ranks the best teams. A team receives 30 points for each first-place vote, 29 for second place and so on through the list
  • The highest and lowest ranking for each team (a non-rating is considered a low ratings) is removed
  • Teams that receive only one point in the ballot are not considered “receiving votes”
  • Frequency of polls occur bi-weekly
  • Records listed are as of the end of the day on Monday of the poll week
  • For the complete Top 25 polls calendar, click HERE
RANK INSTITUTION [FIRST-PLACE VOTES] 2023-24 RECORD FINAL POINTS
1 Langston (Okla.) [13] 35-2 533
2 College of Idaho [5] 32-4 525
3 Indiana Wesleyan 29-6 483
4 Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) [2] 32-4 478
5 Oklahoma Wesleyan 31-3 456
6 Arizona Christian 25-8 451
7 Georgetown (Ky.) 24-8 427
8 Grace (Ind.) 34-2 415
9 Montana Tech 27-5 355
10 The Master’s (Calif.) 24-9 350
11 Concordia (Neb.) 24-8 335
12 LSU Alexandria (La.) 24-7 333
13 LSU Shreveport (La.) 24-9 293
14 Central Baptist (Ark.) 28-7 275
15 Northwestern (Iowa) 25-8 259
16 Oregon Tech 27-6 255
17 Ave Maria (Fla.) 22-10 246
18 Cumberlands (Ky.) 28-5 244
19 Huntington (Ind.) 22-10 214
19 Baker (Kan.) 23-10 214
21 Madonna (Mich.) 27-7 185
22 Florida Memorial 23-7 151
23 Nelson (Texas) 20-10 116
24 Kansas Wesleyan 23-9 110
25 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 24-9 95

 

Receiving Votes: Life (Ga.) 89, Columbia (Mo.) 84, Keiser (Fla.) 50, Mid-America Christian (Okla.) 46, Pikeville (Ky.) 40, Indiana Tech 34, Dordt (Iowa) 24, IU Northwest (Ind.) 21, Hope International (Calif.) 19, Spring Arbor (Mich.) 13, Xavier (La.) 9, Peru State (Neb.) 9, Mobile (Ala.) 8, St. Thomas (Fla.) 3, Cornerstone (Mich.) 3, Southwestern (Kan.) 3, Wayland Baptist (Texas) 2

Championship Information

men's basketball87TH ANNUAL
MEN’S BASKETBALL
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
March 20-25, 2025
Municipal Auditorium
Kansas City, Missouri

First & Second Round
March 14-15, 2025
Various Campus Sites

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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Coppin State’s Reagan Rivera & Daniel Moore Named to 2024 HBCU Swingman Classic Roster

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ATLANTA, Ga. – Coppin State standouts Reagan Rivera and Daniel Moore have been selected to compete in the Third Annual HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation. Major League Baseball announced their participation last week, with both players earning spots on the National League roster for the prestigious showcase.

The game, which highlights 50 of the top HBCU baseball players poised for professional careers, will be held on Friday, July 11 at Truist Park in Atlanta during MLB All-Star Week. Baseball legends Brian Jordan and David Justice, both former Atlanta Braves stars, will manage the National League and American League squads, respectively.

Rivera, a right-handed pitcher from San Diego, Calif., earned Second Team All-Northeast Conference honors after posting a 5-4 record with a 4.91 ERA. He struck out a school-record 97 batters over 80.2 innings, including 10 games with seven or more strikeouts. His season highlights featured 11 strikeouts vs. Le Moyne and 10 Ks in just five innings against VMI.

Moore, an infielder from Benton Harbor, Mich., led the Eagles with a .330 batting average, tallying 12 doubles, 36 RBI, and two home runs. He recorded 13 multi-hit games, including four four-hit performances, and led the team with eight multi-RBI games.

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Former HBCU Star Steve Settle III Signs NBA Deal with Miami Heat

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Steve Settle III, a former standout at Howard University, has agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat following the 2025 NBA Draft, according to DraftExpress’ Jon Chepkevich.

Settle, a 6-foot-11 forward from Glenarden, Maryland, will report to the Heat’s summer training camp with the opportunity to earn a roster spot or a two-way contract. The Exhibit 10 deal also includes the possibility of a bonus if Settle spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.

Settle launched his college career at Howard University, where he became a cornerstone of the program. During the 2022–23 season, he started all 32 games, averaging 11.1 points and leading the team in rebounding with 5.7 boards per game. His contributions helped power the Bison to both the MEAC regular season and tournament championships, earning him All-MEAC Second Team honors.

Following his time at Howard, Settle transferred to Temple University to finish out his collegiate eligibility. With the Owls, he elevated his game, averaging 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per contest in the 2024–25 season. He also demonstrated a reliable perimeter shot, knocking down 41.6% of his attempts from three-point range. His size, versatility, and ability to space the floor made him a compelling prospect for NBA scouts.

What Is an Exhibit 10 Contract?
An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed NBA deal that allows teams to convert it into a two-way contract. If a player is waived and later joins the team’s G League affiliate for at least 60 days, they can earn a bonus of up to $75,000. It’s a flexible path for players like Settle to prove their value during training camp and beyond.

What’s Next for Settle?
Settle will join the Miami Heat’s Summer League roster, giving him a national stage to display his skills against top-tier talent. His journey—from an HBCU to the American Athletic Conference and now the NBA—reflects the growing recognition of HBCU athletes and their readiness for the professional level.

For Settle, this is more than just a contract—it’s a testament to his growth and determination, and a beacon of hope for HBCU players aspiring to reach the league.


Story by Kyle T. Mosley | Originally published June 28, 2025 | © HBCU Legends via Sports Illustrated
Images courtesy of Imagn Content Services

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Detroit Pistons Add HBCU Standout TJ Madlock to Summer League Roster

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The Detroit Pistons have added a rising HBCU talent to their Summer League lineup with the signing of guard TJ Madlock, following the 2025 NBA Draft.

Madlock, a standout from Alabama State and son of head coach Tony Madlock, brings a solid résumé to the Pistons’ Summer League squad. He started all 32 games during the 2024–25 season, averaging 13.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His efforts helped lead the Hornets to their first SWAC Tournament appearance since 2019.

Known for his consistency, Madlock reached double figures in 28 games, including a standout 30-point performance on the road against Prairie View A&M. His blend of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating made him a go-to leader in his senior campaign.

Madlock’s college journey began at South Carolina State, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman with averages of 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. After transferring to Alabama State, he earned SWAC Newcomer of the Year honors during his sophomore season, averaging 11.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

With three years of HBCU hoops under his belt, Madlock has showcased a versatile skill set that includes scoring, defending, and creating for others. His addition to Detroit’s Summer League roster represents the continued growth of HBCU athletes in the professional basketball pipeline.

As NBA franchises increasingly tap into HBCU programs for talent, Madlock’s opportunity with the Pistons marks another step forward. The Summer League will give him a national stage to prove that players from historically Black colleges belong in the NBA conversation.

For HBCU supporters, Madlock’s presence on the Pistons’ Summer League team is a moment of pride and progress—a signal that the legacy of HBCU basketball is alive and thriving.


Originally published by Steven J. Gaither for HBCU Gameday. © HBCU Gameday 2012–2025. Read more at: Sacramento Bee

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HBCU Basketball Pioneers Honored During 2025 NBA Draft

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Published: June 26, 2025 | By HBCU Original

In a historic and heartfelt tribute, the 2025 NBA Draft spotlighted the trailblazers who paved the way for Black athletes in professional basketball — the HBCU legends. This year, the NBA took time between selections to honor the pioneers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities whose impact helped transform the game on and off the court.

Recognizing the Legacy

Among those honored were standout HBCU alumni who shattered barriers during segregation, dominated at the collegiate level, and later became some of the first Black players in the NBA and ABA. The league recognized names like:

  • Earl “The Pearl” Monroe – Winston-Salem State University

  • Willis Reed – Grambling State University

  • Sam Jones – North Carolina Central University

  • Zelmo Beaty – Prairie View A&M

  • Ben Wallace – Virginia Union University

  • Rick Mahorn – Hampton University

These legends not only excelled on the hardwood but opened doors for generations of athletes from underrepresented communities.

A Moment of Gratitude and Awareness

During the ceremony, a special video segment showcased vintage highlights, narrated reflections, and stories from current NBA stars who called these legends their inspirations. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the underrepresented history of HBCU athletes in pro basketball, emphasizing the league’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and HBCU partnerships.

Modern-Day Influence

With more HBCU players making waves in pro and international leagues, this tribute was also a powerful reminder of the talent, heart, and resilience that comes from HBCU programs. Current players like Robert Covington (Tennessee State) and Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State) continue that tradition of excellence.

Final Thoughts

This celebration was more than overdue—it was necessary. Honoring HBCU pioneers at one of basketball’s biggest events affirmed that greatness doesn’t just come from Power Five schools—it’s always lived within the culture of Black college sports.

HBCU Original salutes all the pioneers who made the game what it is today. Their stories matter. Their legacy continues. And now, the world is watching.

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HBCU Stars Shine in Eugene at NCAA 2025

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🏅 HBCU Stars Shine in Eugene at NCAA 2025

The 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships brought the best of the best to Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon—and HBCU athletes rose to the occasion. Here’s how they placed in the finals:


🥉 Jordan Pierre (University of Arkansas‑Pine Bluff)

  • Event: Men’s 400 m

  • Final Placement: 3rd Place – 45.75 seconds

  • Achievement: First Team All‑America


💪 Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State University)

  • Event: Men’s 400 m Hurdles

  • Final Placement: 9th Overall


🥉 Marcia Sey (Howard University)

  • Event: Women’s 100 m Hurdles

  • Final Placement: 3rd Place – 12.93 seconds

  • Achievement: First Team All‑America and highest NCAA finish in Howard’s track history


🏃‍♀️ Howard Women’s 4×100 m Relay

  • Team Members: Kailei Collins, Marcia Sey, Tiffani‑Rae Pittman, Aiyana Gray‑Williams

  • Final Placement: 6th Place – 43.23 seconds

  • Achievement: First Team All‑America


📊 Quick Recap

Athlete / Team Event Final Result Honors
Jordan Pierre (UAPB) 400 m 🥉 3rd Place First Team All-America
Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State) 400 m Hurdles 9th Place
Marcia Sey (Howard) 100 m Hurdles 🥉 3rd Place – 12.93s First Team All-America
Howard 4×100 Relay 4×100 m 6th Place – 43.23s First Team All-America
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