Celebrating Academic Achievement
The Union College men's basketball program has once again been recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, earning the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award for the twelfth consecutive season.
The honor, which celebrates teams that maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, underscores the program’s consistent performance both on the court and in the classroom.
This year, six student‑athletes from Union were selected to the NABC Honors Court, a distinction that highlights individuals who have achieved a 3.20 GPA or higher while meeting strict eligibility criteria.
Among the honorees, Kidder Lindley and Neil Daterao earned their second straight appearance on the Honors Court, while Matthew Garside, Jaden Jauregui, Jack Plesser and Aren Cummings were recognized for the first time.
To qualify for the Honors Court, a player must be a junior or senior academically, hold a minimum 3.20 GPA, and have completed at least one year at the institution, ensuring that the accolade reflects sustained scholarly achievement.
Union’s six selections represent the second‑most honorees in a single season in program history, trailing only the seven players who earned the distinction in 2023.
The college is one of more than 400 institutions across the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA that received the Team Academic Excellence Award this year, illustrating a widespread dedication to balancing athletics with rigorous academics.