Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Every championship run has a player who becomes the heartbeat of the moment.

For the North American University Stallions, that player was Jamarric "J." Hammond.

After leading NAU to its first USCAA Division I National Championship, Hammond was named USCAA National Tournament Most Valuable Player, cementing his place among the elite players in the country.

In the championship game, Hammond delivered a performance worthy of the spotlight — recording 21 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the tempo and the glass as the Stallions defeated Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse 89–74 to capture the national title.

But Hammond's dominance wasn't just about one game.

It was the culmination of a season — and a career — built on relentless effort, leadership, and big-game execution.

National Recognition

Hammond's play throughout the season earned him recognition across multiple levels of college basketball.

His honors include:

• USCAA Tournament MVP

• USCAA First Team All-American

• Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) All-Conference Selection

• USCAA National Athlete of the Week

• RRAC Offensive Player of the Week
  

Those awards reflect what coaches and opponents saw all season — a player capable of impacting every aspect of the game.

Hammond scores at all three levels, rebounds like a forward, and defends with the physical intensity that championship teams demand.

Championship Impact

Throughout the USCAA National Tournament, Hammond became the Stallions' steady force when the moment demanded composure.

He controlled the paint, stretched defenses, and consistently delivered key plays during momentum swings.

When the championship game tightened in the second half, Hammond delivered the dagger — knocking down a crucial three-pointer that pushed the Stallions' lead back to nine points and shifted the momentum permanently in NAU's favor.

Moments like that are why championships often find players like Hammond.

Journey Before NAU

Before becoming a national champion with the Stallions, Hammond developed his game at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, where he built a reputation as a physical guard capable of scoring, rebounding, and defending multiple positions.

His experience competing in the American Midwest Conference helped shape the mature, battle-tested leader that arrived at North American University.

That background gave Hammond the edge needed to compete at the national level — and eventually lead a program to its greatest season.

A Season That Raised the Standard

Hammond's leadership helped power one of the most successful seasons in North American University men's basketball history, including:

• USCAA Division I National Championship

• Program-best season record

• Multiple national and conference honors for NAU players and coaches

But inside the Stallions program, Hammond's value went beyond statistics.

He was a locker room leader, a tone-setter in practice, and a player who embraced the responsibility of representing a rising program.

The Legacy

Championship teams are remembered for banners.

Championship players are remembered for moments.

And for North American University basketball, Jamarric Hammond delivered both.

A national championship.

A tournament MVP trophy.

And a season that elevated the Stallions to a new level of respect across small college basketball.

The Stallions didn't just win a title.

They built a standard.

And Jamarric Hammond helped carry it across the finish line.

Hooves Up.