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Former Hargrave Standout Naji Marshall Signs Three-Year Extension with Dallas Mavericks

Former Hargrave Military Academy Post-Graduate standout Naji Marshall has signed a three-year, $52.2 million contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks. The deal was announced on August 2, 2026. The extension follows the best statistical season of Marshall’s NBA career. In 2025-26, he averaged 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 51% from the field.

Before beginning his college and professional career, Marshall spent the 2016-17 season here at Hargrave Military Academy. He averaged 20.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, helping lead the Tigers to a 27-0 regular season. The undefeated record marked the program’s fourth perfect regular season and its first since 2011-12. Hargrave also recorded wins over four teams that finished the season ranked among the nation’s top 12, won the First Piedmont Corp. Invitational Championship, finished No. 2 in the final national rankings, and earned the No. 2 seed in the National Prep Championship Tournament.

Marshall’s contract extension marks another milestone in his basketball career and adds to the list of Hargrave alumni who have gone on to play at the highest level.

Hargrave Prep Basketball

Hargrave Athletics develops leaders through discipline, structure, and accountability. Cadets compete at a high level while representing the Academy with professionalism, integrity, and pride.

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— Austin Burnette, Head Prep Basketball Coach

Head Coach

Mr. Austin Burnette
Head Prep Basketball Coach

Meet the Coach

Austin Burnette returns to Hargrave Military Academy as Head Prep Basketball Coach, bringing Division I coaching experience and a strong background in player development. A proud Hargrave alumnus and member of the Academy’s 2016 National Prep Championship team, Burnette previously served as a Post-Graduate Assistant Coach before continuing his coaching career at Campbell University and the University of North Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Campbell University and a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Florida International University.

Program Philosophy

Building Complete Student-Athletes

01

Tactical Intelligence

Modern systems of play built around positional awareness, pressing triggers, and transition speed. Players learn to read the game at a higher level through structured tactical training and video analysis.

02

Technical Development

Intensive individual skill work with a focus on first touch, passing accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. Our methodology prioritizes quality repetition and game-realistic training environments.

03

Physical & Mental Resilience

The military academy structure provides an unmatched foundation for athletic discipline. Players develop mental toughness, competitive endurance, and the habits of accountability that define winners.

Program Goals & Vision Ahead

Competitive Recruiting

Aggressively building a roster of dedicated, talented players drawn to a program with elite coaching and a clear development pathway to collegiate competition.

Elevating Competition

Establishing a competitive program through improved player training and structured seasonal preparation.

College Placement

Leveraging the Hargrave Athletics staff’s extensive collegiate network and recruiting expertise to connect qualified players with opportunities at the next level.

Culture of Excellence

Instilling in every player the discipline, teamwork, and character that define a Hargrave Man.

Latest

Prep Basketball News

April 30, 2026

Austin Burnette Named Head Post Graduate Basketball Coach

Austin Burnette has been named Head Post Graduate Basketball Coach at Hargrave Military Academy. A proud alumnus of the Academy, Austin returns to lead one of the nation’s premier prep basketball programs, bringing with him Division I coaching experience, a strong background ... Read more

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Join a program with elite coaching, a structured development pathway, and the character-building foundation of a military academy education.

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