RIVERDALE, N.Y. — Manhattan Men's Basketball Head Coach
John Gallagher has announced the addition of reigning Division III National Player of the Year and graduate guard Ben Pearce to the 2026-27 roster on Monday afternoon.
"Ben is a player who has shown elite talent throughout his playing career. He's a great addition to our locker room," says Gallagher.
The 6-1 guard returns to his home state after four marquee seasons with the Emory University Eagles on the Division III circuit and the University Athletic Association, most recently leading the Eagles to the Division III National Championship Game.
Pearce put together a historic and record-breaking senior season as a member of the reigning National Runner-ups. He became the first player in program history to be named the D3hoops.com National Player of the Year, while also earning a plethora of additional accolades, including hoisting the Jostens Trophy Award, which is annually presented to the most outstanding Division III Men's and Women's Basketball player.
In 30 games during the 2025-26 season, Pearce set numerous Emory single-season records with 707 total points, 23.6 points per game, 1,116 total minutes on the floor, and 37.2 minutes per contest. He sported a 44.4 field-goal percentage. From the charity stripe, Pearce converted 179 free throws. He also sank 74 three-pointers, shooting 33 percent from downtown. Additionally, Pearce led all Division III players with 214 assists and 7.1 assists per game.
En route to the National Championship Game, Pearce averaged 24 points per game down the stretch of the NCAA Tournament, highlighted by a 29-point performance against Roanoke.
The nearby Tuckahoe native was selected to the D3hoops.com All-America First Team and Region VI First Team. He earned Player of the Year, NABC All-America Second Team, UAA Player of the Year, All-UAA First Team, and NABC Honors Court, amongst others to round out his senior year.
In his junior year, Pearce continued to rack up accolades, scoring 494 points, a new personal high, and tying him for sixth all-time in single-season history. It was also Pearce's third straight season with 400 or more points. He ranked fifth all-time in program history with 73 triples and seventh all-time in single season assists and steals.
He also became the fastest player in program history to reach 1,000 career points in 59 total games and became the 19
th player in Eagles history to eclipse the storied threshold.
As a freshman, Pearce burst onto the scene as one of only two Eagles to start every game and earned UAA Rookie of the Year, All-UAA First Team, D3hoops.com All-South Region Second Team, and NABC All-South District Second Team honors.
All-time, Pearce leads the Eagles in total points, points per game, three-pointers, games started, and total minutes.
He finished ranked second in Eagles history with 426 made free throws, 616 total assists dished, 33.4 minutes per game on the floor, third in field goals made with 697, averaged 5.6 assists per game, sixth in steals with 159, and 11
th in free-throw percentage with an 82.7% clip from the charity stripe.
Pearce played for The Pomfret School Varsity Boys' Basketball program during his post-graduate year. He served as the team's captain for two years, while playing football and running track and field. He was named the NEPSAC Class B Player of the Year. He was a 1,000-point scorer as a junior and helped his team win the 2019 NYSIAS State Championship in basketball.
In Riverdale, Pearce is pursuing his master's degree in organizational leadership.
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