October 22, 2025
Waxahachie, TX — The Nelson University Lions men's basketball team enters the 2025-26 campaign following a 2024-25 season full of pure joy and purposeful excellence. Under the leadership of Head Coach Delton Deal, the Lions captured the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Regular Season Championship and earned their sixth consecutive bid to the NAIA National Tournament.
The Lions' energy was contagious… playing with joy, passion, and unity. Coach Deal celebrated his 300th career victory and was named SAC Coach of the Year, a fitting tribute to his leadership and consistency. On the court, the Lions shined collectively and individually: Micah Clark, JJ Boling, Justin Collins, and Alerick Hall each earned All-Conference honors, while CJ Hall, the team's leading scorer was named NAIA All-American and SAC Player of the Year.
The season was another great chapter in Nelson's story. Now, with renewed focus, the Lions prepare to be purposefully different in 2025-26, eager to showcase all the marvels ahead.
Sooner Athletic Conference Preseason Poll
The Lions begin the new year where they finished last season, at the top. Nelson was voted No. 1 in the 2025-26 SAC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll, tying with Langston for the top spot.
After clashing in last year's SAC Tournament Championship, both programs received 113 total points, with Nelson earning six first-place votes. The Lions concluded the 2024-25 campaign 24-9 overall and 19-5 in conference play, advancing to the SAC title game before a strong run to the NAIA Second Round, where they fell to LSU Alexandria.
2025 SAC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll
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Nelson – 113 (6)
Langston – 113 (5)
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Wayland Baptist – 96
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Mid-America Christian – 90
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John Brown – 85 (1)
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Texas Wesleyan – 74
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Central Christian – 66
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Science & Arts – 38
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Oklahoma City – 36
Panhandle State – 36
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College of the Ozarks – 33
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Southwestern Christian – 12
Notable Returners
Micah Clark – The electrifying senior forward/guard returns ready to dominate. A 2nd-Team All-Conference selection, Clark's blend of power and finesse allows him to punish rims with thunderous dunks while knocking down jumpers with smooth precision.
JJ Boling – A two-way All-Conference and SAC All-Defensive performer, Boling embodies versatility. His length, IQ, and pure shooting stroke make him an anchor on both ends capable of sparking offense and smothering opponents defensively.
Noah Jonker – The Lions' stretch big returns with his signature headband and trademark poise. A high-IQ shooter and physical post presence, Jonker will space the floor while showcasing refined post moves and three-point accuracy.
Jordan Jenkins – The 6'9 rim protector broke out late last season, drawing comparisons to Texas Tech's JT Toppin with his athleticism, timing, and defensive instincts. His growth as an interior force will be crucial.
Preston Lawrence – After shooting 43% from three in 2024-25, Lawrence's quick trigger and spacing ability make him one of the conference's elite marksmen.
Latrel Davis – The 6'7 wing returns with explosive rim-attacking energy, bringing length and intensity to both ends of the floor.
Dallas Smith – Following a strong offseason, Smith steps in as one of Nelson's lead guards steady, vocal, and ready to steer the offense with maturity and pace.
Notable Newcomers
Jesse Iweze (6'7 F, Roanoke, TX) – A physical, high-motor forward joining from West Texas A&M and UCCS, Iweze brings toughness, size, and a dynamic passing touch to the frontcourt. Jesse is a true beast on the blocks.
Steven Samuels (G, Jefferson City, MO) – A proven scorer and elite defender, Samuels averaged 13 PPG across stops at State Fair and Johnson County, where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Edwin Sam Mbaka (6'5 F, Northern Essex CC) – A two-time NJCAA Region 21 Champion, Mbaka's championship DNA, shot-blocking, and versatility will elevate the Lions' defense and rebounding. Averaged 7.3 RPG and nearly 2 BPG.
Ferlin Joseph (6'7 F, Brewton-Parker) – A ferocious finisher and elite defender who averaged 12 PPG and 7 RPG, Joseph plays above the rim and brings relentless energy.
Ozavian Buford (6'2 G, Burkburnett HS) – A 1,000-point high school scorer and District Offensive MVP, Buford adds leadership and offensive firepower with proven shot-making and captain-level poise.
Abram Hicks (G, North Crowley HS) – A stat-sheet stuffer who earned 1st Team All-District after averaging 8.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 3.7 SPG. High motor, tough defense, and relentless hustle define his game.
Brionne Williams (6'2 W, Avila University) – A dynamic two-way wing who averaged 10 PPG on 53.1% shooting, Williams is a high-flying athlete capable of posters, lockdown defense, and nightly highlights.
Trelin Green (G, Trinity Valley) - A speedy, quick point guard joins the Lions after winning a NJCAA D1 National Title. The All-DAC baller brings personality, playmaking and pesky defense on levels that will game change the Nelson tempo.
Coaching Staff Update
The Lions also welcomed back a familiar face to the sidelines; Noah Boling, one of the most beloved players in program history, joins Coach Deal's staff as an assistant coach. Boling's journey is quintessential Nelson: from redshirt walk-on to team captain and starting point guard, his legacy includes:
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SAC Freshman of the Year (2020)
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3rd Team All-Conference (2024)
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2× SAC Sportsmanship Award Winner (2023, 2024)
Coach Delton Deal shared his excitement:
"I'm really excited about this group of young men. I love their character and work ethic and believe they will compete in a manner that makes the Nelson Faithful proud. I'm looking forward to what God will do in us and through us, both on and off the court. Go Lions!"
Season Opener
The Lions tip off the 2025-26 season on Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 PM, hosting Arlington Baptist University in the annual Texas Snowstorm Game inside the Sheaffer Center. Fans are encouraged to wear white and pack the gym as the Lions begin another year of pure joy.
Tickets for all home games can be pre-purchased here: https://vivenu.com/seller/southwestern-assemblies-of-god-university-z6n9
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
