Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is thrilled to recognize Al Peciulis of Bethel University as the 2026 Pete Maravich Award recipient for Division I Men’s Basketball.  


Peciulis is an athlete who has seen his time at Bethel drastically impact his walk with Jesus Christ. Despite playing on one of the best teams in the NCCAA and NAIA over the last four seasons, the part of his college career that has stood out the most is the team’s focus on sharing God’s love. Peciulis has been part of two mission trips with his team, the first coming before his sophomore year when they served in the Dominican Republic. During this trip, Peciulis was overwhelmed by the perspective on Jesus among those he with whom he interacted. The quiet moments on the trip sparked a deeper desire within himself to invest more into God’s Word and share the love of Christ no matter what the situation. Prior to his senior campaign, Peciulis had the opportunity to go on a second mission trip with his team heading to Costa Rica. On this trip Pecuilis felt more comfortable to share his testimony, and he spoke boldly regarding the lessons he has learned about diving into a relationship with God through His word rather than trying to earn God’s love through works. 
 
Peciulis’ goal as he nears graduation is to fully find his identity in Christ so that after graduation he is not lost in his work or desire to advance in his career. As a biology major, Peciulis has earned a 3.9 GPA and is an NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. He hopes to continue to advance in his education and use it to share the love of Christ in a field that is often very secular in thought. 
 
On the court, Peciulis has been a team leader. For his career he averages over 10 points-per-game and has a field goal percentage of nearly 70%. As a senior, Peciulis has been one of the best rebounders in the Crossroads League, ranking top 10 in the conference in rebounds per game at 6.9 and offensive rebounds per game at 2.9. Peciulis is also involved with the Bethel men’s basketball leadership team that meets bi-weekly to discuss how to better the team in competition as well as off the court. He has helped lead Bethel’s elite camp through leading drills and refereeing to impact the next generation in the sport. 
 
“Al has been a player for our program for four years and he is the consummate teammate,” said Bethel Head Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Drabyn. “He is unselfish, all about the team, and will sacrifice whatever he needs for the betterment of the team. Al could very easily rack up a lot more statistics, but he understands the value of getting other players involved. He would rather score two points and win then 20 points and lose. He is very deserving of this honor.” 
 
Other Finalists
Orlando Gonzales, Nelson University American Indian College
Reece Johnson, College of the Ozarks
Jackson Thackwray, Redeemer University
Johnny Whysong, Columbia International 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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