As the most exciting time in NCAA college basketball comes to a close for the year, FCA proudly awards Scott Nagy, head men’s basketball coach for Southern Illinois University, with the John Lotz “Barnabas” Coaching Award.

The award is given annually to honor a basketball coach who best exhibits a commitment to Christ, integrity and encouragement to others, and lives a balanced life. The award is named after former North Carolina assistant and Florida head coach John Lotz.

“Scott Nagy truly embodies the heart and values of the John Lotz Award — commitment to Christ, integrity, and a passion for encouraging others,” said Shane Williamson, FCA President and CEO. “Coach Nagy’s leadership goes beyond the X’s and O’s, shaping lives both on and off the court by living out his faith with unwavering purpose.”

Coach Nagy, a three-time Horizon League Coach of the Year, was just named Southern Illinois University men’s head basketball coach in March 2024. Prior to coaching for Southern Illinois University, Coach Nagy spent eight years as head coach for the Wright State men’s basketball team. In his first season at Wright State, he led the program to its first 20-win season since 2008. In his second season, Coach Nagy took the team to their first NCAA Tournament in a decade. Nagy became the 61st active NCAA head coach (28th at the Division I level) to reach the 500-win mark and was named the League and NABC District Coach of the Year in 2018.

Horizon League Conference Commissioner Mark D. Commes said, “Scott has strong personal and team discipline and is not afraid to make difficult decisions. He consistently wins games, goes to postseason tournaments and you will never be embarrassed by his behavior or comments after a tough loss. Using foul language is not in his vocabulary. He is able to conduct himself in this manner professionally because of his strong Christian beliefs.”

When asked why Nagy should receive this award, FCA SE Detroit Representative Glynn Blackwell said, “Because of his demonstration of servant leadership to his players and his compassion for others. Scott has a heart for people, as 18 years ago he and [his] wife adopted a girl from Haiti.”

Through his numerous accomplishments as a coach, Nagy always puts God first and models what he believes to his players. Coach Nagy lives out FCA’s core values of integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence in his mission trips with Samaritan’s Feet, taking his basketball teams to Haiti, Zimbabwe, Burundi and the Dominican Republic, where they wash the feet of those in need and pass out shoes. Coach Nagy also works with FCA’s chapter at Southern Illinois University.

Co-founder, CEO and President of Samaritan’s Feet, Manny Ohonme, said, “Scott is an amazing example of a servant leader, not only with his team, but also within Wright State University, the community of Dayton, Ohio, and abroad. Throughout my years of knowing Scott, he has continuously shown the love of Christ through his compassionate words and actions to his players, coaches, University staff and students, and the community at-large.

“He is truly using his platform to show kindness and further the Kingdom of God. Through his selfless acts, it is evident that Scott cares more than just how his players perform on the court.”

“It is an honor to receive this award as part of the legacy it represents,” Nagy said. “You never know. Some seasons are harder than others, but to receive this award is just a great reminder of the importance of leading all of our players into a relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s what it’s all about not the wins and the losses, but being a servant for our Lord.”

-FCA-

Photos courtesy of Saluki Athletics Communications