KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Small College Basketball organization announced Southern Nazarene Alum Gary Banz as the 2024 Larry Smith Award winner. Banz is a 1967 graduate of Southern Nazarene where he was a member of the intercollegiate first basketball team on campus.

The Larry Smith Award is presented to former Small College Basketball players who have used the game of basketball to learn and apply life lessons that have impacted their life while also giving back to impact the lives of others. 

"The life of Larry Smith is truly one of resilience, persistence, and success. His story is an
example of 'only in America'" said Banz. "To be selected by Small College Basketball as a representative of Larrry Smith is an honor that surpasses my ability to describe. I humbly accept the honor on behalf of all my family and college teammates who have walked with me on this journey called life."

Banz was born and raised in Sylvia, Kansas where he attended high school. He then made his way to what was then known as Bethany Nazarene College to further his education. He then became a member of the first intercollegiate basketball team on campus in 1963. 

After he graduated from SNU, Banz stayed heavily involved in Crimson Storm athletics. He also served as the Alumni Board President and now serves as the Executive Director of Southern Nazarene University Basketball Alumni Players Association. 

Banz is married to wife Linda, and they have three children and six grandchildren.

To learn more about the Small College Basketball organization and the Larry Smith Award go to smallcollegebasketball.com