DAHLONEGA – The University of North Georgia (UNG) men's basketball team earned multiple academic awards from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Thursday afternoon.

For the first time since 2021, the Nighthawks were given the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award for completing the 2024-25 academic year with a team grade point average above 3.0. 

Additionally, three individuals were named to the NABC Honors Court for finishing the year with an individual GPA of 3.2 or greater. 

Senior Sutton Smith earned the second NABC Honors Court selection of his career after also winning the award in 2023. 

Sophomore Stephen Akwiwu made the first Honors Court appearance of his career as well on Thursday. 

Finally, junior Cayden Charles was awarded his first Honors Court selection as well, marking his first NABC academic award of his career.

Thursday's announcement marks the fourth season in the last five years in which UNG has had multiple players named to the NABC Honors Court list. It's also the second time in program history that three or more Nighthawks earned an Honors Court selection in the same season the program was also recognized with the Team Academic Excellence Award.