The purpose of this award is to recognize the outstanding NCCAA student-athlete in Men’s Basketball and highlights excellence in competition, skill, academics, and Christian service during his career. This award is sponsored by Mr. Gary Beck, manager of the Gary Beck Foundation and a former NCCAA All-American student-athlete from Greenville College, IL. The award shall be presented annually at the National Men’s Basketball Championship.
The NCCAA is pleased to recognize Gunner St. John of
Johnson University Tennessee as the 2017 Pete Maravich Award winner for Division II Men’s Basketball.
St. John, a 6-foot-6 senior center from LaFollette, Tennessee, is the captain and a leader for the Royals. On the season, St. John averaged 10 points and 4.7 points per game. For his career, St. John averaged 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, with his play helping turn the program around and make an appearance in the 2016 DII National Championship. St. John is the anchor of the Royals’ defense as he blocks shots, takes charges, boxes out, rebounds, and communicates to teammates about where to be.
Away from the game, St. John is someone others look up to on his team and around campus. He serves in multiple areas including the hospitality team at his church, student government, FCA, as a Resident Assistant, and more. In the classroom, St. John holds a 3.42 GPA in Non-Profit Management studies and is preparing for a life of investment in the non-profit ministry world.
Johnson University Tennessee Men’s Basketball Coach Brandon Perry stated, “Gunner is an amazing man of God.” Perry added, “He is devoted to mentoring and investing in the lives of people.”
Pete Maravich Award Finalists
Jared Bradford, Grace Bible College
Jon Luke Talton, Faith Baptist Bible College
Previous Winners