The more things change, the more they stay the same.
In spite of the addition of five new teams to the men’s basketball race, two-time defending NSAC champion Apprentice was picked by the league coaches to take home the crown in 2024-25. The Builders claimed first-place votes from all participating coaches in the NSAC Preseason Poll.
The Builders will have a new head coach as former assistant Michael Gainey, Jr. takes the reins from the departed Evan Kee. But the 2024 USCAA champs return all five starters, including All-American Karree Smith and All-NSAC teammate Adrion Wall.
Mid-Atlantic Christian propelled to second place in the voting behind the strength of its incoming transfers. One coach commented, “On paper, they have one heck of a recruiting class.”
Lighthouse Christian, the 2024 regular season winner, was picked third. The Makos lost the Culpepper brothers to transfer but picked up three impact players in the portal from former NSAC power Blue Lights. Defending conference MVP Eddie Brown also returns to the LCC backcourt.
Newcomer John Melvin Christian (Florida) was a surprising fourth under first-time head coach Colin Doss. “Looks like JMCC has a lot of talent from some upper-level basketball (NAIA, NCAA D2, etc.) coming in,” opined one of the voters.
Atlantis rounds out the top five behind the strength of incoming transfers. “They look like they will be ready to compete every night,” wrote one league coach.
Beacon College, another NSAC newbie, checks in at sixth. The Blazers, led by former NBA great Sam Vincent, return an experienced squad.
John Melvin (Louisiana), Southeast Christian, Central International, and South Carolina Central Christian complete the lineup.
The season opens on October 24 when Southeast travels to Miami to take on the Atlantis JV squad and JMU (LA) hosts Louisiana Community Christian. The Eagles will return home to host the conference-opening NSAC Tipoff Class against the Millers on October 30.
- Apprentice – 54 votes (6 first place)
- MACU – 38
- Lighthouse Christian – 32
- John Melvin Christian (Florida) – 30
- Atlantis – 27
- Beacon – 26
- John Melvin (Louisiana) – 18
- Southeast Christian – 16
- CIC – 12
- SC Central – 10
