ATLANTA, GA | The 2024–25 Morehouse Maroon Tigers men's basketball team experienced a season of thrilling highs, hard-fought battles, and landmark achievements. Competing with heart and grit, the Maroon Tigers turned in a campaign that included a signature win over a Division I opponent, multiple overtime victories, conference accolades, and the emergence of a new coaching era. The Maroon Tigers weathered a demanding non-conference slate, battled through the SIAC grind, and capped the season with national exposure in the NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star Weekend in Oakland, California.

Season Record & Tournament Outcome

Morehouse finished 17-13 overall, placing second in the SIAC East Division (14-7 SIAC). Their season ended in the quarterfinals of the SIAC Tournament, with a tough 77–70 loss to Central State despite a late-game push led by Cedric Taylor III and Omar Rowe.

Signature Wins and Game Highlights

• Upset Over Howard (Jan. 20): The Tigers shocked NCAA Division I opponent Howard University 79–76 in a historic road win. Jaden Gray dropped a career-high 22 points, while Cedric Taylor III added 17 points and a game-winning three.

• NBA HBCU Classic Appearance (Feb. 15):  One of the marquee moments of the season was Morehouse's selection to participate in the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic against rival Tuskegee, a nationally televised game that placed the SIAC and the Maroon Tigers on center stage during NBA All-Star Weekend

• Rivalry Record: Dominance Over Clark-Atlanta:  Morehouse defeated Clark-Atlanta twice in 2024-25.

  • Feb 1, 2025 – 75–71 win: The Tigers claimed a rivalry win over Clark Atlanta, 75–71, behind Taylor's 26 points. 

  • Feb 22, 2025 – 85–79 double-overtime thriller: Omar Rowe exploded for a career-high 24 points, spearheading Morehouse's comeback victory

• Overtime Thrillers:

  • Miles (Jan. 13): OT victory, 77-75.

  • Albany State (Feb. 8): OT win, 83-79.

  • Clark-Atlanta (Feb. 22): Senior Day capped with 82–78 OT win..

• Other Notables:

  • vs. Allen (Feb. 6): Taylor's 29-point double-double fueled a- 72–52 win.

  • vs. Benedict (Jan. 12): Four players in double figures in an 84-73 win.

  • vs. Savannah State (Feb. 4): Taylor led with 21 points in a 65–59 victory.

All-Conference & Postseason Awards

• Cedric Taylor III

  • SIAC First Team All-Conference

  • SIAC Elite 16 Award – Given to the student-athlete with the highest GPA among all post-season basketball superlative honorees.

• Brandon Peters – Named to the SIAC All-Freshman Team, making an early impact off the bench.

• Coach Douglas Whittler

  • Selected to coach in the 2025 HBCU All-Star Game in San Antonio.

Season Statistical Leaders (2024–25)

• Scoring Leader: Cedric Taylor III – 17.3 PPG

• Rebounding Leader: Cedric Taylor III – 6.4 RPG

• Assists Leader: Jaden Gray – 3.8 APG

• Steals Leader: Cedric Taylor III – 1.6 SPG

• Blocks Leader: Cedric Taylor III – 1.1 BPG

• Three-Point Shooting: Omar Rowe – 46.2% 3PT

• Top Freshman Scorer: Brandon Peters – 7.9 PPG

Academic and Off-Court Excellence

Morehouse had multiple players honored in the SIAC All-Academic Team including Taylor, Rowe, and Peters. The program continues to excel as a model for the "student-athlete" ideal .

Player Spotlight: Omar Rowe

• Selected to play in the 2025 HBCU All-Star Dream Classic at Rucker Park in Harlem.

• Averaged 7.7 points and shot 46.2% from three in 2024–25.

• Two-year contributor and vocal leader.

Legacy of Coach Whittler

Coach Whittler's tenure leaves a strong legacy, with:

• Three division titles (2022, 2023, 2024)

• Two 20-win seasons

• Eight All-Conference players developed

• One Elite 16 winner, one Freshman of the Year, and one All-Star Coach selection

A New Era Begins

Following the conclusion of the season, Morehouse named Larry Dixon as its 14th head coach in program history. Dixon, a veteran with Division I experience and three NCAA Tournament appearances, becomes the first non-McAfee tree coach since 1965, signaling a bold new direction.

​​Final Thoughts

The 2024–25 season closed as a transitional yet impactful chapter in Maroon Tiger basketball history. With strong individual performances, national showcases, and institutional pride, the team laid the foundation for future success as it enters the Larry Dixon era. Stay connected with Maroon Tigers baseball at www.morehouseathletics.com.