PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball continues to make headlines, now for their success in the classroom in addition to on the court. In a report published on HBCUDigest.com, the UMES Hawks men's basketball team posted a perfect 100% graduation rate, ranking first among historically black colleges and universities in NCAA Division I.

The article published by Ralph Charlton uses the NCAA's graduation success rate (GSR) to determine the highest graduation rates of every men's basketball program among HBCUs in NCAA Division I. The latest report reflects data regarding student-athletes who started school in 2007, and their progress towards a degree in the subsequent six years. Academically eligible students who transfer from the program are not included in a team's GSR.

For the class of men's basketball players beginning school in 2007, UMES has posted a perfect 100% graduation rate. For the Hawks, this is the third straight year that the school has topped the rankings among NCAA Division I HBCUs. The perfect rate is well above the average rate for NCAA Division I men's basketball programs, which sits at 74%. The women's basketball program also posted an above-average GSR relative to other HBCUs for the same timeframe at 67%.

"We are very proud of all our student-athletes and their commitment to academic success and to earning a degree," said Director of Athletics Keith Davidson. "We try to recruit the best available students, not only in athletic skill, but in their desire to earn a degree during their time at UMES. We have done a good job of finding those student-athletes that will work hard in the classroom and on the court. Our academic support staff works with each student-athlete, helping them to stay on track for graduation and prepares them for life after basketball. This distinction is a representation of our efforts to win beyond the game, preparing each student-athlete for more than a professional sports career."

For more information, visit www.umeshawks.com