Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is proud to announce Daniel Smith of Boyce College as the 2025 Pete Maravich Award recipient for Division II Men’s Basketball.
A native of Huntsville, Alabama, senior Daniel Smith is both strong in his faith and on the court for Boyce. He grew up in a Christian home and from a young age has felt called into ministry. Smith is on track to finish his career at Boyce with both his undergrad and MDiv degrees and he has already begun preaching at both his church in Louisville and back home in Alabama. Smith serves the Boyce and Louisville community well, leading Fellowship of Christian Athlete (FCA) Bible studies weekly with local athletic teams. He is the president of the Boyce Preaching Society that places preachers in local nursing homes, and he speaks regularly himself. He also has been on many mission trips, most recently traveling to Turkey to do sports ministry and help run a basketball camp.
On the court, Smith has been a consistent force in the interior, earning Mideast All-Region Honorable Mention a season ago. In 2024-25, Smith averages nearly 11 points per game to go along with just over 5 rebounds per game. He is an outstanding rim protector as well, ranking in the NCCAA top 25 in blocks per game over the last two seasons. His success is also seen in the classroom with a 3.71 GPA and Dean’s List honors as he pursues a Biblical theological studies seminary track.
“Daniel is a leader on our team and on our campus,” said Boyce Head Coach and Athletic Director Michael McCarty. “He leads on the floor with example and word. He pushes guys to be great and will call out guys who are not living up to our Christian character standards. He is a great athlete and works extremely hard at basketball, but desires more to see people come to know the Lord and see Him through his life on campus, on the floor, and in our community.”
Other Finalists
Danny Foster, Ozark Christian College
Drew Middleton, Spurgeon College
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.
Previous Winners