GREENWOOD, Ind. -- A duo of University of St. Francis men's basketball players have been named to the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Men's Basketball Team, it has been announced by the CSC organization.  Earning the recognition for USF for the first time were senior Merrick Small and redshirt-junior Connor Casper.

The award recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom.  To be eligible, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore both athletically and academically and boast no less than a 3.50 cumulative grade point average, while performing at an elite athletic level.  Academic all-district honorees are considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America ballot.

In his second year with the program, Small led the Saints in five statistical categories, including field goals made (177), field goal percentage (.565), free throws made (100), assists (86) and blocked shots (19) this past winter, while averaging 15.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game from his center position.  He started and appeared in 29 of the team's 31 games.

In the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), Small placed fourth overall in free throws made (100), and fifth in field goals made (177).  He also ranked in the Top 10 in four additional categories, including No. 6 in field goal percentage (.565), No. 8 in total points (459), and No. 10 in scoring (15.8 ppg) and in blocks/game (0.7).

An honorable mention league honoree from one year ago, the senior center claimed second team recognition in 2025-26, and was named the CCAC Offensive Player of the Week on two occasions during the 2025-26 season.

Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Values-Based Management, Small has been named to the Dean's List in all three of his semesters at St. Francis.  Along with CSC Academic All-District recognition, he was also named a NAIA Scholar-Athlete and CCAC all-academic selection for the first time.

A three-year member of the St. Francis program, Casper appeared in all 31 games during the 2025-26 season.  This past winter, he averaged 3.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest from his forward position, while also totaling 19 assists, 15 steals and nine blocked shots.  He finished fourth on the club in total rebounds shots with 111.

Casper, who is seeking a Master's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, joined Small in earning the CSC praise for the first time.  He has been named to the Dean's List in all seven of his semesters at St. Francis which includes his undergraduate work.  He is a three-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and CCAC All-Academic selection.

The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes basketball honorees in four divisions – NCAA I, II and III and NAIA.  First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced later this month.

USF finished 15-5 in conference play and 23-8 overall and advanced to the NAIA Opening Round Marion Bracket after capturing the CCAC tournament title.

For the complete list of CSC award recipients, go to LIST.

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