Nick Kovacevich

Successful Businessman Nick Kovacevich

NCAA Academic All-American

MIAA All-Conference

SBU Team Captain (2 Seasons)

2007-2009

Nick's SBU YouTube

"Nick was the heart and soul of our back to back championship teams that won 38 consecutive home games, the longest home-winning streak in the nation at that time.  While at SBU, Nick's carried the highest academic standards, charisma, the look, intelligence and was by far the hardest working basketball player we had at SBU.  Nick can do anything he puts his mind to."

Sheldon Pace

SBU 2004-2006 ALL-AMERICAN Bob Cousy Award Finalist NCAA All-Star Participant

"Sheldon Pace showed his incredible basketball skills by scoring when the game called for him to score, passing to make his teammates better and break down defenses, and shutting down the opposing teams key players.  His presence brought crowds to their feet and inspired unity among his team members and fans.  He is the type of player you drove the extra mile to watch and were never disappointed.  Sheldon has talented people skills using his charm and compassion which reaches from the special olympics athlete to the presidents of organizations."

Calvin Slaughter

Neosho County Community College
1998 All-American

Jacksonville University

Calvin's daughter, Ivey, is a sophomore on the Florida State University basketball team.  

Calvin is by far the toughest player I have every coached.  He was a relentless warrior at both ends of the court.  No one took losses harder than him.  It is not surprising that he is an outstanding fireman and father in Georgia.

Anthony Evans

Neosho County Community College
1997-1999
All-American
Academic All-American
NJCAA Student Athlete of the Year




University of Georgia



Great Article on "BIG ANT" from 2001.
http://www.redandblack.com/sports/anthony-evans-dispelling-the-stereotypes/article_7fec97fe-0298-5d36-914a-54a122a2961e.html

"Everyone loves "BIG ANT"!  Unless of course you had to guard him.  The gentle giant could physically dominate a game, and yet have the grace and speed of the Panther mascot he represented.  His powerful court presence is a sharp contrast to his overwhelming kind spirit to others.  Those giant calves were as quick to leap to the rim and they were to rush to pick up a teammate from the floor. One minute I called Anthony 'Super Sugar Bear' the next minute I screamed to the team, 'No one shoots the ball until Anthony touches it'.  Winners loves "BIG ANT"!"

Jim Grabowski

SBU 2005-2008
First Team All-MIAA
First SBU Player to win 2 Conference Titles

Before becoming a banker, Hometown Hero Jim Grabowski had the opportunity to play professional basketball for teams in Ireland and Portugal.

Jim made a great transition throughout his career from a role player to a superstar.  He accepted whatever responsibilities were asked of him to make the team better.  No player has won more post-season games at SBU that Jim Grabowski.  His All-American personality serves him well in the business world and makes him a success in whatever he pursues.

Jim's Highlights on YouTube:

Trez Kilpatrick

Neosho County Community College
1995-97
All-American





Graduated from Georgetown University
Played for Legendary John Thompson






"As a player, Trez was a true 'gamer'.  The bigger the game, the bigger and tougher he played.  Off the court, Trez had no problem showing his big heart.  From playing with the Panther Pal little athletes to reading books to kindergartners, Trez was an easy fan favorite.  He still works hard making better lives for young people."

Stan Johnson

Stan Johnson

Played his senior season for NCAA tournament team Bemidji State.  Played 3 seasons at Southern Utah (2001 NCAA Tournament).


Currently Assistant Coach at Arizona State.

Husband of lovely wife, Brittany, and father of Brooklynn and Myles.

My comments when Coach Johnson was hired at AZ STATE:  

“When we hired him at Southwest Baptist, I told our college president, ‘One day I’ll work for him,’ ” said Jeff Guiot, one of Johnson’s mentors. “That’s how good he is. I knew I wasn’t going to have him long. He was too big for this pond that we have here.”