Jason Conley, Class of 1995

He's Got GAME! 

In 2001 Jason Conley (Class of 1995) became the first freshman in NCAA history to lead the nation in scoring, averaged 29.3 points per contest, was an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American, and led the Southern Conference in steals (82). Jason plays professional basketball in Finland and has been playing professionally in Europe for several years. During the summer months he travels back to the U.S. to work at the Premier Athlete, his company that focuses on brand management for student athletes. 

His love for motivating and training top basketball players in the Washington, D.C. area was shaped by SAA math teacher Karl Graf. Jason said Mr. Graf would say, “Don’t be a hero, be right!” when referring to math problems that required hard work to get correct answers. Jason still uses that saying with himself on the court and to inspire the athletes that he trains.

In addition to many top honors in his professional career, Jason was the first recipient of SAA’s “Big Brother Award,” and he said this award has meant more to him than any trophy because it was about how he treated “the little guys.” Jason still calls The Academy a recipe for success and nothing less.