Championship Archives

In 1945, weakened by World War II and not yet ready to renew full-scale national activities, NJCAA leaders gave blessings to member colleges in the launch of an invitational basketball tournament. From 1945-47, the Western States Basketball Tournament featured some of the best two-year college teams from across the country. Though not credited with the official 'national champion' declaration, it is worth noting the champions of those invitational tournaments: 1945 - Pasadena (CA), 1946 - Sacramento (CA), 1947 - Compton (CA). 

The success of the Western States Basketball Tournament laid the groundwork for the creation of the official NJCAA regional and national championship structure that exists today. The first NJCAA Men's Basketball Championship took place at the Southwest Missouri State Fieldhouse in Springfield, Missouri, in 1948. A year later it would be relocated to Hutchinson, Kansas.  View all-time champions  |  View tournament appearances  |  View full championship archives

Awards

The Tournament has honored its top performers with many distinguished awards including the William B. French Most Valuable Player Award, Bud Obee Outstanding Small Player Award, Charles Sesher Sportsmanship Award, and the Coach of the Tournament Award. View recipients

Records

NJCAA student-athletes, coaches, and men's basketball programs have displayed record-setting performances during the DI Men's Basketball Championship since 1948.  View individual records  |  View team records  |  View coaching records  |  View misc. records