Former MVNU coach named the 2026 SCB Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

FORT MYERS, Florida — Small College Basketball proudly recognizes Scott Flemming as the 2026 recipient of the SCB Lifetime Achievement Award. Now in its eighth year, the award honors individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on the landscape of small college basketball.

John McCarthy, founder of Small College Basketball, shared the following on Flemming:

“Small College Basketball is proud to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Scott Flemming,” expressed McCarthy. “He’s used the coaching platform as a force for good around the world, transforming the lives of people around the globe. He’s highly respected as a coach, and even more respected as a special, caring human. Congratulations, Coach Flemming, on being named as the Small College Basketball Lifetime Achievement Award Winner.”

A Louisville, OH native, Flemming graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene. He would later go on to earn a master’s in communications from Wheaton College and a Master in Sports Science from the United States Sports University. Flemming started his coaching career as an assistant from 1982-1984 at Mount Vernon Nazarene. He would then go on to coach for two years as an assistant at Wheaton College, before getting the head coaching position and athletic director role at Nyack College.

Del Harris, Small College Basketball Hall of Fame member and former NBA Head Coach had this to say about Flemming: “Congratulations to my dear friend and former associate, Scott Flemming, for being recognized as the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award winner,” stated Harris. “I am very proud of his lifetime work that includes a long career in Small College Basketball. His work included the NAIA and NCAA DII at three schools. Overall, he was named National Small College Coach of the Year twice and his teams qualified for the nationals 10 times. Congratulations Coach Flemming.”

After a three-year stint at Nyack, Flemming returned to Mount Vernon Nazarene where he was the head coach and athletic director for close to 20 years. Between Nyack and Mount Vernon Nazarene, Flemming amassed 440 career collegiate wins. He was twice named Coach of the Year at Mount Vernon Nazarene and led the Cougars to the NAIA National Tournament eight times and won the NCCAA National Championship in 2000.

In June of 2010, Flemming joined the Texas Legends, the NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. In November of 2012 Flemming was named the Head Basketball Coach of the Men’s National Team in India. During his first tenure as the head coach of the India men’s national team, he guided the team to the South Asia Championship in 2013 and 2014. Flemming guided the team to its biggest victory in India basketball history, defeating China 65-58 in the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup.

Flemming had this to say about receiving such a prestigious award: “I am extremely grateful for this award, in light of almost 30 years of my coaching experience being involved in small college basketball. Of course, in any honor such as this, I share it with so many players, coaches and friends that I have joined with along this wonderful journey. The victories are special, but it is truly about the meaningful relationships that have impacted my life.”

Flemming returned to collegiate coaching in 2015 at Northwest Nazarene University. After two years with the Nighthawks, Flemming returned to India as the Senior Director of Basketball Operations for NBA India. He would then go on to become the Technical Director for the NBA Academy India, before taking over as the head coach of the Basketball Federation of India. Flemming spent a total of 12 years in India. Most recently Flemming has joined Athletes in Action. During his extraordinary career Flemming directed numerous basketball camps and coached internationally in Sweden, Poland, South Africa, Mexico, and Jamaica.

Flemming will be awarded the SCB Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Awards Show on Sunday, April 26, in Kansas City. For more information on the SCB Lifetime Achievement Award and Small College Basketball head to smallcollegebasketball.com.

What they’re saying about Scott Flemming

“Scott Fleming represents the true missional aspect of being a coach. He loves his Lord and then seeks the very best for each player, staff member, and partner in the effort of growing young people through a game. He is not self-serving or driven by ego which is becoming very rare in today’s sports culture. I would simply state, ‘Well done and well-deserved, Scott.” — Dan Wood, NCCAA Executive Director

“The NAIA proudly recognizes Scott Flemming as this year’s Small College Basketball Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, honoring a career defined by sustained excellence and a deep commitment to education-based athletics. Throughout his career, Scott’s leadership has impacted many. Surpassing 400 career victories — including storied success at NAIA member Mount Vernon Nazarene — he has consistently elevated his programs while shaping countless lives. His influence extends well beyond wins, leaving his mark on small college basketball through dedication to his student-athletes.” — Jim Carr, President and CEO, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

“Scott Flemming has been one of the most consistent people in the basketball world for decades. He leads with a people first, service oriented, caring presence that exudes excellence in all that he does. What a worthy recipient!” — Eric Nelson, President, Athletes in Action

“I had the privilege to play for Coach Flemming and to also work for him at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He continues to have the unique ability to recruit at a high level, develop players, and create a winning culture while also investing in the personal growth of his team members. He always led with integrity, pushed with purpose, and believed in people even before they believed in themselves. The lessons he gave went far beyond the game of basketball, and his influence has impacted generations. This award is a celebration of a career defined not just by success, but by significance. Congratulations Coach.” — Chip Wilson, Director of Athletics, Mount Vernon Nazarene University

“This award reflects Scott’s lasting impact on the game and on the lives of everyone he encountered. His ability to see the good in people and empower others — gifts God has given us all — is what made him such an exceptional leader and coach. I would not be the head coach, father, or husband I am today without Scott’s influence during our time together at Northwest Nazarene University.” — Jon Hawkins, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Northwest Nazarene University