Cheers to UK's Sam Malone, Winner of NCAA Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 7, 2014) ― Sam Malone, a junior at the University of Kentucky, is the recipient of the Elite 89 award for the 2014 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships.

The Elite 89 award, founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s championships.

Malone, majoring in marketing in the Gatton College of Business and Economics, currently carries a 3.73 GPA. He was presented with the award during the Men’s Final Four Salute Presentation on April 3 in North Texas.

All GPAs are based on a straight grading scale to ensure consistency among institutions. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and competing at the championship.