(Editor’s note: Story by Montana Sports Information)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former Montana basketball players Jamar Akoh and Michael Oguine were named to the NABC Honors Court on Wednesday, an accolade given to basketball student-athletes who not only perform on the court but also have success in the classroom. In order to be selected, one must have at least a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average and be a junior or senior.
This marks the fourth consecutive season that Montana has had multiple selections, and the second year in a row that Akoh and Oguine have been recognized. Akoh graduated in May with degrees in business marketing and management; Oguine earned his degree in marketing.
Oguine, who also was a four-time Academic All-Big Sky selection, finished his playing career as one of the all-time Griz greats. He currently ranks in the top six for career scoring, steals and games started, and was a two-time All-Big Sky selection. In 2017-18, while helping Montana to its first of two consecutive Big Sky titles and NCAA tournament appearances, Oguine was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and Big Sky Championships MVP.
Akoh was limited to just 15 games in 2018-19 due to multiple injuries, but averaged 15.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while shooting at a .587 clip. During his only full season for Montana, in 2017-18, he started all 34 games and averaged 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while being named to the All-Big Sky third team.
Both former Grizzlies are looking to extend their playing careers. This past week, Akoh signed a professional contract to play with Chorale Roanne Basket in Roanne, France. His team will compete in LNB Pro A, which is the first division of France’s top-tier leagues. Oguine was selected to train with the Nigerian national team in hopes of making a roster spot for the FIBA World Cup in China. He, along with fellow graduate Ahmaad Rorie, also played in the Worldwide Invitational last week, a showcase tournament in Las Vegas.
Montana’s NABC Honors Court Recipients
2018-19: Jamar Akoh, Michael Oguine
2017-18: Jamar Akoh, Fabijan Krslovic, Michael Oguine
2016-17: Brandon Gfeller, Fabijan Krslovic
2015-16: Brandon Gfeller, Jack Lopez
2013-14: Jordan Gregory
2006-07: Bryan Ellis, Jordan Hasquet
About the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the NABC was founded in 1927 by Phog Allen, the legendary basketball coach at the University of Kansas. Allen, a student of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, organized coaches into this collective group to serve as Guardians of the Game. The NABC currently has nearly 5,000 members consisting primarily of university and college men’s basketball coaches. All members of the NABC are expected to uphold the core values of being a Guardian of the Game by bringing attention to the positive aspects of the sport of basketball and the role coaches play in the academic and athletic lives of today’s student-athletes. The four core values of being a Guardian of the Game are advocacy, leadership, service and education. For additional information about the NABC, its programs and membership, go to www.nabc.org.
