Bio

Wrapping up a storybook career at Cowley College, sophomore Jeff Nwankwo was named the school's 2024 Male Athlete of the Year during the annual athletic banquet held Wednesday inside W.S. Scott Auditorium.

Having reached tremendous heights as a member of the Cowley College men's basketball team, Nwankwo came to Cowley as a transfer from Tulane University, where he was a member of the football team.

As a freshman at Cowley, the 6'6 forward missed most of the fall semester due to injury but returned to average 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in 16 contests. 

He returned to the team in 2023 after initially signing with NCAA Division I Marist University. The decision paid off as he was named the Player of the Year in the Jayhawk Conference and helped the Tiger basketball team finish as the conference runner-up and qualify for the national tournament. The Tigers advanced to the Sweet Sixteen before having their season come to an end with a record of 28-6.

Nwankwo averaged 18.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game and, with his 631 points, moved past Tiger Hall of Famer Kermit McMurry into ninth place on the single-season scoring list, just behind another Cowley great in Tyrus McGee. 

"It means a lot to be honored by the community with this prestigious award," Nwankwo said. "None of this would be possible without the support poured into me by the community as well as my coaches and teammates. This community will always hold a special place in my heart. Go Tigers!"