Our last blog post covered NAIA eligibility and what student-athletes need to know to become recruitable at the NAIA level. In this post, we’ll wrap up our series on NAIA basketball and once again show that there are outstanding opportunities at the small-college level. Too often, student-athletes get caught up in the idea of “Division I or bust.” That mindset is usually shaped by well-meaning but misinformed voices — people who may not truly understand the complex landscape of college basketball recruiting or the many factors today’s high school athletes face.
At Net Results Recruiting, we encourage players to think differently. Go where you’re wanted. Go where you can play. The level should not define your experience. There are exceptional programs, coaches, players, facilities, and academic opportunities at every level of college basketball. With that in mind, we will spotlight three NAIA schools as well as ten other NAIA schools that are have been powerhouse programs in recent years that prove student-athletes can have an incredible experience — both on and off the court at the NAIA level.
University of the Cumberlands (Kentucky)
Academic & Institutional Profile
- The University of the Cumberlands has been recognized as a “National College of Distinction” for eight consecutive years. The 2024-25 recognition highlighted excellence in education, affordability, international student support and business & education programs.
- On the athletics side, their student-athletes perform strongly academically: for example, their women’s basketball team posted the highest team GPA in the NAIA during the 2024-25 season (3.837).
- The institution also emphasizes character: the athletics department earned the NAIA “Champions of Character Five-Star Gold” award.
Basketball Program & Student-Athlete Experience
- The Patriots (women’s basketball) have been highly competitive: for instance, they reached the NAIA national tournament final site multiple years in a row and are strong statistically (e.g., averaging 82 points per game and high rebound/assist margins) in recent seasons.
- The men’s and women’s programs compete in the Mid-South Conference. A league that is very strong top to bottom at the NAIA level, seeing several teams crack the NAIA top 25 rankings year in and year out.
- For a recruit, the combination of strong academics + competitive basketball + proven track record of scholar-team recognition makes Cumberlands a standout “hidden gem.”
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
- Many recruits overlook Cumberlands because it may not have the marquee “brand” of a big NCAA school, but in terms of value — academically and athletically — it offers a strong package.
- If you want to play meaningful minutes, develop your game, and earn a degree in a supportive environment, this is an option worth exploring.
Oklahoma City University (Oklahoma)
Academic & Institutional Profile
- Oklahoma City University has a strong athletic identity: their website prominently states “Home of Champions” and boasts many national titles across sports.
- The institution emphasizes student-athlete academic success: the Sooner Athletic Conference (their conference) has numerous teams earning NAIA Scholar Team honors, showing a culture of academic and athletic balance.
- Their campus facilities include modern wellness and activity centers, and all courses are taught by faculty (not graduate assistants) — this reflects an emphasis on quality instruction.
Basketball Program & Student-Athlete Experience
- The men’s basketball team is historically strong in the NAIA: for example, OCU has claimed multiple NAIA national championships (men’s) in past decades.
- For a recruit interested in basketball strength and tradition at the NAIA level, this program offers a competitive environment.
- The location in Oklahoma City also provides recruiting advantages (visibility, regional competition) and access to a metro area.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
- Because people often think “small school = low profile,” but OCU’s athletic and academic profile shows it punches above its size.
- For a high school player who wants to step into a program with history of success, playing time opportunity, and a place where academics are taken seriously, and be in a metropolitan area, OCU is an attractive “hidden gem.”
St. Thomas University (Florida) (Miami Gardens, FL)
Academic & Institutional Profile
- St. Thomas University is a private Catholic institution offering 61 undergraduate and graduate programs, combining on-campus and online delivery.
- In the athletics realm, STU has a strong academic culture: for example, 12 of their 14 athletic teams received NAIA Scholar Team honors in a recent year, and student-athletes maintain around a 3.0+ GPA average.
- The “Champions of Character” ethos is present; the school markets itself around “Leaders for Life,” aligning athletics, academics and character.
Basketball Program & Student-Athlete Experience
- The Bobcats (basketball) compete in the Sun Conference of the NAIA, a region with good competition and opportunity for visibility.
- Being located in Miami Gardens offers lifestyle and exposure benefits (sunny climate, metro area, travel opportunities) that many small-school recruits appreciate.
- For recruits looking for a blend of high-level academics, urban environment, and NAIA competition — STU offers a unique combination.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
- St. Thomas flies under the radar despite offering strong academics, good location and a competitive basketball environment.
- For players who value environment (South Florida), want to major in something progressive, and still want meaningful college basketball, this is a compelling option.
Other Top-Level NAIA Schools and Basketball Programs to Note
West Region
- The College of Idaho (Caldwell, ID)
A national powerhouse in men’s basketball and one of the NAIA’s most complete programs. Strong liberal arts academics and innovative curriculum make it a perfect blend of athletic and academic rigor. 2023 NAIA National Champions. - Arizona Christian University (Glendale, AZ)
An elite small-college basketball program that’s consistently near the top of NAIA rankings. Strong Christian community, solid business and education programs, and located minutes from Phoenix — a hotbed for networking. - Oregon Tech (Klamath Falls, OR)
A public polytechnic university with outstanding programs in engineering, health sciences, and technology. Known for a passionate fanbase and championship tradition — multiple NAIA post-season appearances under coach Justin Parnell.
Midwest Region
- Indiana Wesleyan University (Marion, IN)
One of the premier programs in all of college basketball — period. Multiple national championships, elite academics, and first-class facilities rivaling some DII programs. A top-tier Christian university focused on leadership and community. - Olivet Nazarene University (Bourbonnais, IL)
Beautiful campus just south of Chicago with strong business, nursing, and education programs. Competitive basketball program that competes in the always competitive CCAC conference. - Concordia University (Ann Arbor, MI)
Small-school charm with big-school energy. Competitive basketball within the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, great health and science programs, and a supportive campus culture near a major university town (University of Michigan).
South Region
- Faulkner University (Montgomery, AL)
A rising NAIA basketball program,. Academically, Faulkner shines in law, business, and biblical studies, and offers an affordable private education in Alabama’s capital city. - LSU Shreveport (Shreveport, LA)
Known for its uptempo, high-scoring style of basketball and consistent Top-25 national rankings. Academically strong in business, health, and science fields. Offers the feel of a four-year university with small-school relationships. - Freed-Hardeman University (Henderson, TN)
Historic NAIA program with deep postseason tradition. Faith-based education, tight-knit campus, and elite coaching staff. Multiple academic and athletic All-Americans.
East Region
- Loyola University New Orleans (New Orleans, LA)
Yes, it’s a Jesuit school — and yes, it’s NAIA! National champions in 2022 and one of the most respected small-college programs in the country. Great academics, vibrant campus life in the heart of New Orleans, and a strong alumni network.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about playing college basketball, don’t overlook the NAIA. These programs offer elite coaching, national exposure, and life-changing academic opportunities often in environments where players are valued as people first and athletes second. When exploring schools, especially at the NAIA level, it’s important to focus on fit academically, athletically, and socially. Too many players chase the “brand name” rather than the right opportunity. Hidden gem schools frequently provide better chances for early playing time, smaller class sizes, strong academics, and personalized support that helps student-athletes grow on and off the court. As you research programs, ask thoughtful questions: What’s the team GPA? How many players earn meaningful minutes early in their careers? What kind of academic and career support systems are in place for your major? Remember — NAIA programs still offer real athletic scholarships, and their coaches are often more accessible and hands-on than those at larger schools. Use schools like the ones highlighted above as a guide then look across your region (and beyond) for similar programs that align with your goals. The NAIA is full of outstanding opportunities waiting for driven student-athletes who are ready to compete, learn, and thrive at the next level.
At Net Results Recruiting, we guide prospects through this process — making sure you know exactly where you stand and what you need to do. If you’d like a personalized check-in or help getting your NAIA eligibility profile in order, let’s connect. Contact us today. Don’t leave your future to chance. Get started today with Net Results Recruiting and take control of your basketball journey!