Seniors Zawdie Jackson and Corey Stephenson from the FIU men's basketball team have been honored with selection to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. This prestigious recognition requires athletes to compete in a significant percentage of games while maintaining a GPA of 3.50 or higher. Jackson, pursuing a master's in communications, boasts a 3.89 GPA and impressive season stats, while Stephenson, with a GPA of 3.5, had a standout season himself, marking historical performances in scoring.

By the Numbers
  • Zawdie Jackson averaged 12.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
  • Corey Stephenson averaged 18.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting over 45% from the field.
Yes, But

While both players excelled academically and athletically, the selection criteria for the All-District Team raises questions about accessibility for all student-athletes, as not all may meet the GPA or game participation thresholds.

State of Play
  • Both Jackson and Stephenson started and competed in all 31 games this season.
  • Jackson ranks third in program history for free throw percentage in a season, while Stephenson's scoring ranks among the top five in FIU history.
What's Next

As both players continue to showcase their skills and academic prowess, they look forward to potentially securing further accolades and opportunities in the upcoming professional and academic arenas.

Bottom Line

The achievements of Zawdie Jackson and Corey Stephenson emphasize the importance of balancing academics with athletics, highlighting the potential for success on multiple fronts in college sports.