DAHLONEGA – The University of North Georgia (UNG) men's basketball team and head coach Dan Evans announced the signing of six incoming freshmen ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 season. 

Joining the Nighthawks this upcoming season will be Daeshaun Morrissette, Avery Coles, Tatum Holmes, Bailey Macarthur, Owen McLaughlin and Tyler Lesch. 

Morrissette comes to Dahlonega out of Pelham High School in Pelham, Ala. The 6'1 guard helped lead the Panthers to a run in the 6A Central Regional Semifinals and a Class 6A, Area 8 Championship where he was named the game's Most Valuable Player. 

"Dae brings a relentless competitive motor along with a personality that's felt by all he encounters," Evans said. "His ability to balance a scoring mindset and the tremendous ability to run the team while continuing to defend at a high level will contribute to winning. The nephew of a North Georgia Basketball alum, he knows what it means to be a Nighthawk and knows how to lead." 

Coles joins the Nighthawks out of White House, Tenn. The 7-foot center wrapped up a standout four-year career at White House Heritage High School, scoring over 1,500 points, grabbing over 1,000 rebounds, winning three-straight District 7-2A Tournament Championships and three tournament MVP awards. 

"Avery's combination of size, IQ, and feel for the game are unique," Evans said. "He sees the game at a high level and has incredibly soft touch around the rim. He already demonstrates some perimeter skill that will continue to evolve. Above all of this, Avery is a tremendous person and leader. His maturity and approach prepare him to be successful on and off the court in Dahlonega." 

Holmes heads to the Gold City after wrapping up his high-school career at Johns Creek High School in Johns Creek, Ga. Holmes turned in a stellar senior season, earning Georgia High School Association 7-AAAAA Region Co-Player of the Year and All-State First Team honors. 

"Tatum is an incredibly accomplished high school player with a well-rounded skillset," Evans said. "He can shoot and score the ball at a high level but still creates shots for others consistently. He's a versatile defender who uses his athleticism to defend multiple positions. Yet his best basketball is ahead of him. His infectious personality and competitive spirit will endear him to Nighthawk Nation immediately." 

Macarthur is the furthest-traveled freshman from New South Wales, Australia, over 9,000 miles away from Dahlonega. The 6'6 guard brings a wealth of experience from both his high-school career at Trinity Grammar School and his time with the Sutherland Sharks in the National Basketball League 1 (NBL1) in New South Wales. 

"Bailey brings a very mature game to North Georgia from Australia, Evans said. "He has the ability to score the ball in multiple ways through intelligent use of his size, skill and athleticism. A winning mindset positions him well to adjust to the college game, but more than anything, his work ethic and competitive spirit will bring out the best of him and his teammates. His teammates will love his approach and personality." 

McLaughlin makes his way to the Gold City from the sunshine state and New Smyrna Beach High School in New Smyrna Beach, Fl. A four-year varsity player, the 6'7 guard helped guide the Barracudas to the FHSAA Class 5A District 7 Regional Semifinals during his senior season. 

"Owen is a unique blend of size, movement and athleticism while still having skill and a great motor, Evans said. "He is an incredibly intelligent person and player who will bring a great spirit to the program and community. Watching him several times makes you appreciate his depth of ability. Each time you see him, he contributes in a different way. This versatility coupled with his commitment to improve make his career an exciting one to follow for the Nighthawk faithful." 

Lesch comes to Dahlonega from just 23 miles away at East Forsyth High School in Cumming, Ga. With the Broncos, Lesch scored over 1,000 career points while landing on a Georgia Basketball Coaches Association/Georgia Athletics Coaches Association All-State Team during his senior season. 

"Tyler can flat-out shoot the ball," Evans said. "He has that unique ability to put the ball in the basket consistently while also having stretches of being on a complete heater. His embrace of the competition and his pursuit of winning help make him a special player, person, and teammate. We can't wait to be around him day-to-day."