Maryville College men’s basketball team displays academic success

The Maryville College men’s basketball team has had success beyond just the court. With one of the highest cumulative GPAs among campus athletic programs, the team has built a culture where academics are a top priority. Point guard Javi Rosell (‘27) said this mindset is ingrained from day one. 

“When you look in chronological order, the student comes first,” said Rosell (‘27). “[I’m] a student, then an athlete.”

The attitude towards academics is intentional, and consistently reinforced by coaches. Rosell mentioned there is a strong correlation between academic success and on-the-court performance. 

“Our academic success is something I’m genuinely proud of because it reflects who we are beyond basketball,” said Head Coach Raul Placeres (‘06). “Basketball is important, but it doesn’t replace the responsibilities our guys have in the classroom; it complements it.”

Placeres explained that the culture begins in recruiting, bringing in men who value education and are willing to be disciplined with their time. Study halls, academic check-ins, and constant communication with professors uphold the structure. This reinforces that academic effort is non-negotiable and just as important as effort on the court.

Balancing classes and practice can be difficult, which Placeres acknowledges; however time management is a skill that is pushed.

“The biggest demand is time,” Rosell said. “You really have to get ahead of your work because basketball is going to keep going.”

With weekends spent traveling and playing games, there is a huge emphasis on time management and accountability in the team’s culture. A lack of focus – academically or in practice – isn’t tolerated, Placeres said. 

“Our guys will check in on each other about assignments, remind each other about study hall, and push one another to stay on top of things,” Placeres said. “It becomes part of the team identity.”

To maintain the balance, there are systems built in for accountability. Freshmen, along with any players who may be struggling academically, are required to complete weekly study hours. 

“Every freshman needs to get three hours [of studying] a week. If not, you run,” Rosell said.

The system reinforces discipline while also ensuring that players have the support they need to succeed. As the men’s basketball group study leader, Rosell has seen firsthand how these systems contribute to the team’s academic success. 

The team has consistently been among the top cumulative GPAs on campus, and this year is no exception, according to Placeres. 

The team’s dynamic is close-knit, playing an essential role in the expectation that has been built. The players spend much of their time together, which naturally builds a strong sense of accountability. This support system creates an environment where success is shared. 

For Rosell, motivation extends beyond basketball and academics. Inspired and motivated from his family’s background, he approaches both with a sense of responsibility. 

“If [my family] could do that in much harder circumstances, it’s only right that I give my all in everything I do,” Rosell said.