Cobleskill, NY – The SUNY Cobleskill Athletic Department recognized first-year guard
MJ Ford (Staten Island, NY) of the Fighting Tiger men's basketball team as the 2025-26 Male Performance of the Year recipient during the department's annual Athletics Awards Ceremony.
Ford earned the honor for his record-setting 38-point performance in Cobleskill's 97-88 double-overtime victory at SUNY Delhi.
The Performance of the Year award is presented annually to the student-athlete who delivers the most outstanding individual effort in a single contest during the athletic season.
Ford turned in one of the top performances by a first-year player in program history, scoring a freshman program-record 38 points while adding six rebounds, three assists and two steals. He was efficient from all areas of the floor, shooting 12-of-20 from the field, 3-of-8 from three-point range and 11-of-13 at the free-throw line.
With the Tigers needing a spark late in regulation, Ford delivered in the biggest moments. He helped fuel Cobleskill's comeback with a midrange jumper, a pair of free throws and a hustle sequence capped by back-to-back steals down the stretch, as the Fighting Tigers erased the deficit and forced overtime.
Ford came through again in the first extra period, knocking down a deep three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining to tie the game at 82-82 and send the contest to a second overtime.
From there, the freshman took over. Ford scored eight straight points to open the second overtime, including a pair of strong and-one finishes, helping push the Fighting Tigers in front for good. Cobleskill closed out the game at the free-throw line to secure the 97-88 road victory.
Head Coach Justin Maxwell applauded Ford's outstanding performance, stating, "MJ came through with a very impressive and clutch performance against SUNY Delhi with 38 points, that helped spring us into the playoffs. He provided a big time spark this year for the program."
Ford was later named North Atlantic Conference Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week for his performance.
His record-setting night, clutch shot-making and late-game dominance made Ford a deserving recipient of the 2025-26 SUNY Cobleskill Male Performance of the Year award.
