Twelve ASUN Players Named To Academic All-District Team

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The 2024-25 Academic All-District® Men's Basketball Teams were revealed Tuesday by College Sports Communicators, highlighting the academic and athletic achievements of student-athletes across the nation. Among the honorees, a total of 12 standout players from the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) were recognized for their excellence both on the court and in the classroom.

The ASUN representatives included players from Austin Peay, Bellarmine, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Lipscomb, and North Florida. Notably, both the Knights and the Ospreys had four student-athletes each earning this prestigious recognition. This honor is part of the broader Academic All-America® program, which acknowledges the top student-athletes in various sports and divisions.

Among those honored was redshirt junior Quan Lax of Austin Peay, who made a significant impact during the 2024-25 season. Lax, a native of Bolivar, Tennessee, played in all 33 games for the Governors, starting a team-high 32 games. After transferring from Freed-Hardeman, where he was a 2023-24 NAIA National Champion and All-American, Lax averaged 5.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 26.1 minutes per game.

His performance included five double-figure scoring games, with his first notable outing being a 10-point, seven-rebound, and five-assist game against UT Arlington during the 2024 Jacksonville Classic on November 27. Lax’s season peaked with a high of 12 points and five made field goals in the Governors' nonconference finale against Brescia on December 29. Additionally, he reached double figures in two Atlantic Sun Conference games, once at Lipscomb on January 18 and again against Stetson on February 15.

In the classroom, Lax is equally impressive, maintaining a 3.72 grade-point average while pursuing a bachelor's degree in university studies. This combination of academic success and athletic performance is what the Academic All-District® honor celebrates, as it recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined achievements.

The complete list of Academic All-District® honorees from the ASUN includes:

• Austin Peay: Quan Lax
• Bellarmine: Landin Hacker, Curt Hopf, Billy Smith, Myles Watkins
• EKU: Turner Buttry, Jackson Holt
• Lipscomb: Charlie Williams
• North Florida: Oscar Berry, Nate Lliteras, Jasai Miles, Jaylen Smith

This recognition is a precursor to the selection of the First and Second Team Academic All-America® honorees, which will be announced on April 15, 2025. This annual program aims to spotlight the dual commitments of student-athletes, balancing rigorous academic pursuits alongside competitive sports.

The Academic All-District® Teams serve as a stepping stone for many student-athletes who aspire to achieve even greater accolades, such as the Academic All-America® honors. The selection process is conducted by College Sports Communicators, which evaluates nominees based on their athletic performance and academic success.

As the season progresses, the spotlight will continue to shine on these exceptional individuals who exemplify the spirit of collegiate athletics. The ASUN conference, known for its competitive basketball programs, is proud to contribute to the development of student-athletes who not only excel in their sport but also in their academic endeavors.

For those interested in following the journey of these athletes and keeping up with the latest updates, the Austin Peay athletics department encourages fans to connect via social media and their official website, LetsGoPeay.com. The commitment to both academic excellence and athletic prowess remains a hallmark of the institution, fostering a culture of success that extends beyond the basketball court.

As the announcement date for the Academic All-America® honorees approaches, anticipation builds within the community, showcasing the dedication and hard work of these student-athletes. The recognition they receive is not just a testament to their skills in basketball but also a celebration of their academic achievements, setting a standard for future generations.