Greenville, SC: The NCCAA is pleased to recognize Coby Jones of Johnson University Tennessee (JUTN) as the 2021 Pete Maravich Award recipient for Division II Men’s Basketball.
 
Two-year team captain Coby Jones is known to be a physically and versatile player on the court. This season Jones averaged a remarkable 20.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per-game. He is a two-time NCCAA Division II First Team All-American and will finish his career with over 2,000 points as Johnson University’s third all-time leading scorer. The 6’2” guard has led his team to a Mideast Regional Championship in 2018, and three consecutive National Championship appearances.
 
The senior will graduate Summa Cum Laude with a degree in sport and fitness leadership. He has been a Dean’s List honoree every semester, is a president’s scholarship recipient, and an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. Jones’ leadership spans beyond the basketball court as he often leads Bible studies and hosts dinners for his teammates. He volunteers with Emerald Youth Foundation in Knoxville and has used his theological and ministry training provided him at JUTN to preach at churches in his hometown. Often times, he has prepared sermons during a busy basketball season, so he can go home to preach on Sundays, his one day off.
 
“Coby has been an excellent ambassador for Christ, Johnson University, and the NCCAA during his collegiate career,” stated Head Coach Brandon Perry. “He has consistently been one of the best NCCAA DII men’s basketball players while finding the time to volunteer at local nonprofits, achieve academic success, and prepare himself for his future.”
 
Pete Maravich Award Finalists
Miles Dressler, Ozark Christian College
Stephen Wilkerson, Maranatha Baptist University
 
Award Description
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. “Pistol Pete” Maravich was known for his ball handling, shooting abilities, and creative passing. He was an NBA All-Star, named one of NBA’s 50 greatest players, and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. He came to know Christ later in his life and spent the last years of his life pointing people to Christ. 
 

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