In a recent announcement by the Mid-American Conference (MAC), two standout players from Ohio University's men’s basketball team have been recognized for their exceptional academic and athletic performances. Graduate student guard Shereef Mitchell and redshirt sophomore guard AJ Brown were named to the 2024-25 Academic All-MAC team. This prestigious honor highlights not only their achievements on the court but also their dedication to excellence in the classroom.
Shining Stars in Academics and Athletics
On April 4, the MAC celebrated its scholar-athletes by unveiling the Academic All-MAC team. To qualify, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.20 and participate in at least half of their team's games. First-year students and transfers are ineligible. Shereef Mitchell, hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, has achieved a commendable 3.309 GPA while pursuing his MS in Management. In an injury-shortened season, Mitchell still managed to shine, averaging 13.2 points per game with impressive shooting percentages. His performance was even more remarkable in MAC play, where he averaged 14.7 points per game and contributed significantly to the team's defensive efforts.
AJ Brown, originally from Orlando, Florida, also earned this distinction for the first time. As a sport management major with a 3.488 GPA, Brown played in 29 games and started all of them. He contributed significantly with an average of 13.2 points per game and demonstrated versatility with his rebounds and assists. Notably, Brown set personal records during the season, scoring a high of 22 points against Toledo and grabbing a career-best eight rebounds in the same game.
This recognition is particularly meaningful as both Mitchell and Brown have made significant contributions to the Bobcats' success this year, including Mitchell reaching the milestone of 1,000 career points.
Reflections on Recognition
The inclusion of Mitchell and Brown on the Academic All-MAC team serves as a powerful reminder of the dual commitment required of student-athletes. Their achievements underscore the importance of balancing academics with sports, demonstrating that excelling in one area does not preclude success in another. For aspiring athletes and scholars alike, their stories inspire us to pursue excellence in all facets of life, proving that dedication and hard work can lead to recognition and respect in multiple arenas.