Bolivar, Mo. – SBU Director of Athletics Clark Sheehy announces Aaron Niven as the 14th head men's basketball coach.
 
"Coach Niven's passion for the game of basketball, commitment to Christ, and dedication to his players have been instrumental in building a culture of success with our men's basketball program at SBU." SBU President Dr. Rick Melson Said, "As he steps into his new role as head coach, I am confident he will continue to lead our men's basketball program with excellence and inspire our student-athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the court. Let's Go, Bearcats!"
 
"We are so excited for Coach Niven; he has done a terrific job for us here at SBU. He has head coaching experience and had been in college coaching for 25 years." Sheehy said, "I am excited to see him lead our program and to see him pour into our students for the Lord. It's a great day to be a Bearcats.
 
Niven becomes the head coach after five years of being that assistant/associate coach for the Bearcats. During that time, he was a crucial part in building the program to have their second-best four-year stint from 2019-2023 in program history. He was big in recruiting future Hall of Famers in the likes of Quinn Nelson and Mitch Ganote. As well, he brought in other great talent such as RJ Crawford, Brady Smith, Noah Franklin and more.
 
Prior to joining the Bearcats, he was the head coach at Spring Hill College in Alabama. He guided the Badgers in a transition period from NAIA to Division II. He helped the program improve from an 8^th place conference finish to back-to-back top three finishes in his last two seasons.
 
Under Niven's leadership, the Men's Basketball team at Spring Hill raised their team GPA from 2.4 upon his arrival to a 3.1 heading into the current spring semester. Niven also placed two student-athletes on SIAC All-Conference rosters, including the 2016 SIAC Freshman of the Year Sawyer Glick and forward Brandon Fischer in 2018. Niven's Spring Hill squad additionally garnered recognition as the SIAC All-Academic Team Champions following the 2015-16 season.
 
"What an honor it is that Dr. Melson and Coach Sheehy have placed their faith in me to lead this great program! Southwest Baptist University is a special place that I am humbled to be a part of. This basketball program has such a rich tradition! We want to do all that we can to help carry that tradition forward." Niven said, "I am grateful for Coach Sheehy and the opportunity that I have had to learn from and coach with over the years. He is the best! I want to thank my wife; Shannon, for standing with me and following the Lord's leading in our lives all these years! I would also like to thank my children; Mady, Will, and Boston as well as my mom and dad! It truly is a great day to be a Bearcat!"