KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Former John Brown University standout guard Brandon Cole '06 has been selected for induction into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025, the organization announced Friday afternoon (May 23).
Cole joins eight other distinguished players in the ninth class to be enshrined in the national hall of fame. The induction ceremony will take place Friday, October 31, inside Branscomb Auditorium on the campus of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida.
"What a terrific honor for an outstanding young man," said Robyn Daugherty, director of athletics at John Brown University. "Brandon's impact on both John Brown University and Golden Eagle athletics continues to resonate today. Brandon was a true leader on campus and within the NAIA — winning the NAIA's prestigious Dr. Leroy Walker Award and being named the JBU Male Champion of Character.
"His basketball accomplishments are well known, but faculty, staff and students at JBU were equally blessed to know him off the court. He was highly respected by all because of his unwavering commitment to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his strong integrity and his humility in all things. John Brown University is very proud of Brandon, and we congratulate him on this high honor."
Cole earned his selection through a remarkable four-year career that established him as one of the most prolific long-range shooters in college basketball history. The Hector, Arkansas native concluded his Golden Eagle career in 2006 with 527 three-point field goals made, a record that stood across all levels of collegiate basketball until the COVID era when players were granted additional eligibility. His consistency from beyond the arc was perhaps best exemplified by his streak of 120 consecutive games with a three-pointer, a collegiate record that began in his first game as a freshman and captured national attention, including coverage on ESPN.
Originating from the Arkansas farmlands, the six-foot guard transformed John Brown University into a national championship contender during his tenure from 2002-06. Cole led the Golden Eagles to the 2005 NAIA Division I National Championship, earning Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player honors after scoring 25 points in the title game. His championship performance capped a season in which he became the first male student-athlete in Golden Eagle history to earn NAIA All-America first team recognition.
Cole's senior campaign in 2005-06 brought even greater individual acclaim when he was named NAIA Division I Player of the Year while earning his second consecutive NAIA All-America first team honors. Over four seasons, Cole's prolific scoring helped lead John Brown to 86 victories while he accumulated 2,390 career points – averaging 17.8 points per game over his 134 career appearances.
His dominance extended far beyond total production. Throughout his Golden Eagle career, Cole demonstrated remarkable consistency, recording five or more three-pointers in a single game 45 times. He scored in double figures in 113 games, reached the 20-point plateau 51 times, and surpassed 30 points in six contests.
"Our men's basketball program has nearly 70 years of history, and over that time, several players have stood out as truly special. Brandon was one of them," former head men's basketball coach John Sheehy noted. "Yes, he had talent—but what set him apart was his character, durability, competitive spirit, and the way he led by example.
"I feel incredibly blessed to have coached him. Players like Brandon don't come around often—maybe once in a career, if you're fortunate."
The two-time NAIA All-America first team selection and Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player was later named to the NAIA's 75th Anniversary Men's Basketball All-Star Team, cementing his legacy among the association's greatest players. Cole has already been inducted into the John Brown University Wall of Fame.
A devout believer who often credited his faith and family for his success, Cole frequently referenced Philippians 4:13 throughout his career: "All things are possible through Christ, who strengthens me." He consistently deflected individual praise toward his teammates, particularly four-year backcourt partner Alex Terry, while crediting his parents, Wayne and Joanne, for instilling the work ethic that propelled him to unprecedented heights.
Cole joins a distinguished 2025 Hall of Fame class that includes players Seger Bonifant (West Liberty), Mario Elie (American International), Joey Flannery (Babson), Steve Honderd (Calvin), Bob Kauffman (Guilford), Eric Kline (Northern State), Lambert Shell (Bridgeport), and Bill Warden (North Central Illinois). Coaches Herb Magee and Dan McCarrell, along with contributor Ed Bilik, complete the class.
"Congratulations to the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025," said John McCarthy, executive director of Small College Basketball. "What an impressive and accomplished Hall of Fame Class. October 31 is going to be a special day, as we formally induct these worthy players, coaches and a contributor into our national Hall of Fame. They have certainly earned it."
The Small College Basketball Hall of Fame honors excellence at the non-NCAA Division I level, including NCAA Division II, Division III, NAIA, USCAA, and NCCAA programs. The organization aims to preserve the legacy and promote awareness of athletes and coaches who often compete outside the national spotlight but have made lasting impressions on the sport. By celebrating the achievements of those involved in small college basketball, it aims to elevate the sport's profile and ensure that the contributions of these individuals are remembered and appreciated.
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