NABC Announces Ryan Blount as National Player of the Week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Tampa standout guard Ryan Blount has been named the NABC/D2CIDA National Player of the Week for December 23, 2025. The award, presented by the Division II Conference Information Directors Association and supported by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, recognizes Blount's exceptional performances during a three-game stretch last week.

Blount averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over Tampa's three contests, leading the Spartans to two wins. He opened the week with a dominant showing at Lynn, scoring 27 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, while adding 11 rebounds and five assists. Against UIndy, Blount contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, shooting 50 percent from the field. He capped the week with a 30-point effort versus St. Thomas Aquinas, hitting six three-pointers and dishing out four assists.

For the season, Blount has been one of the most consistent and dynamic players in Division II. Through 11 games, he is averaging 22.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while shooting 48.5 percent from the field, 42.5 percent from three-point range, and 88.3 percent from the free-throw line. His campaign includes five games of 25 or more points and six double-doubles, highlighted by a season-high 33 points and eight rebounds in the opener against Kentucky State. Blount ranks among the Sunshine State Conference leaders in scoring, rebounding, and three-point shooting, and his versatility has been a driving force behind Tampa's strong start to the 2025–26 season.

2025-26 NABC/D2CIDA Men's Basketball Players of the Week

The NABC/D2CIDA National Player of the Week is administered by the Division II Conference Information Directors Association (D2CIDA) and supported by the National Basketball Coaches Association (NABC).

• Week #1 (November 18): Ross Reeves, Nova Southeastern [SSC] (Gr., G., Orem, Utah)
• Week #2 (November 25): Maceo Williams, Ashland [GMAC] (Rs Sr., F., Gahanna, Ohio)
• Week #3 (December 2): Jose Murillo, Eastern New Mexico [LSC] (Sr., F., Chihuahua, Mexico)
• Week #4 (December 9): Kyle Hrncir, Upper Iowa [GLVC] (Jr., F., Farmington, Minn.)
• Week #5: (December 16): Jakob Braaten, SMSU [NSIC] (Sr., G., Byron, Minn.)
• Week #6: (December 23): Ryan Blount, Tampa [SSC] (So., G., Oviedo, Fla.)

About the NABC

The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) was founded in 1927 and serves as the leading professional organization for basketball coaches at all levels. Its mission is to promote the game of basketball, support the development of coaches, and advocate for student-athletes. The NABC provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and recognition programs such as the National Player of the Week award, which highlights outstanding individual performances across the country. Through initiatives focused on integrity, leadership, and community engagement, the NABC continues to play a vital role in shaping the sport and advancing the coaching profession.