Men's Basketball | April 30, 2026

AIKEN, S.C. – Former USCA men's basketball standout Jalen McCoy recently guided Kipina Basket to the 1st Division A championship.

McCoy was named the league's MVP, Player of the Year, Import Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the year and Guard of the Year.

"I'm truly grateful for my season and time in Finland," McCoy said. "None of this happens without my teammates, coaches, and the fans who supported us every step of the way. This organization believed in me and pushed me to grow both as a player and a person. My teammates made every challenge worth it, and the bond we built is something I'll carry with me beyond the court.

"The coaching staff held me to a high standard and helped me elevate my game in ways I'm proud of. To the fans, your love and support never went unnoticed, you gave us that extra push when we needed it most to accomplish the championship. Winning individual accolades is an honor, and I'm thankful for the recognition, it's 100% a reflection of the team and the work we all put in together. Every award represents the commitment we shared all season long. This year was special not just because of what we achieved, but because of how we did it. I'll always appreciate the love I received here and the memories we created as a team."

"Jalen is a pro in every since of the word," head coach Mark Vanderslice said. "I am so proud of the person and player that he has become. He has earned every ounce of success that has come his way. He is a fantastic teammate that has always put the program ahead of himself. His attitude is contagious and there is no surprise why he continues to win everywhere he goes."

McCoy, USCA's Division II all-time leading scorer, recorded 34 points in Game 4 to clinch the 2025-26 1st Division A championship, helping his team complete an upset of the regular-season leaders, ACO, who had finished with a 21-1 mark in the regular season. Kipina notched a second-place finish with a 17-5 mark.

McCoy led the league in scoring at 24.9 points per game during the regular season. He shot 63 percent from the field and snagged 7.6 rebounds a game.

In the clinching game, he played all 40 minutes and buried 15-of-21 from the floor, including one-of-two from downtown. 

McCoy scored in double figures in every game, including six games of at least 30 points. He erupted for a season-high 36 points in the win over Karkkila on Apr. 15, hitting 11-of-16 form the floor and 11-of-15 from the charity stripe. In all, McCoy accounted for five double-doubles and a triple-double (15 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists) in the win over Pyrinto Ak.A on March 15 in just 31 minutes of work.