Clayton State University's men's and women's basketball teams achieved remarkable academic success, with a total of 13 student-athletes selected for the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) All-Academic Team. The women's team led with nine selections鈥攕etting a program record, while the men's team contributed four honorees, also a program high. Notably, Etaria Gibbons and DJ Wright earned recognition for the second consecutive year, highlighting their consistent academic excellence alongside athletic performance.

By the Numbers
  • 13 total selections for Clayton State鈥攏ine women, four men.
  • Etaria Gibbons led the women's team with 121 rebounds and 40 blocks last season.
  • DJ Wright averaged 14.8 points per game and made 55 three-pointers.
Yes, But

Although the Lakers excelled academically, the pressure to maintain such high standards could challenge the balance between academics and athletics moving forward. Additionally, setting records in academic selections raises expectations for future teams.

State of Play
  • Nine women and four men achieved PBC All-Academic Team honors, a historic feat for Clayton State.
  • Selection criteria include a GPA above 3.5 and participation in over half of the games in the season.
What's Next

As these student-athletes prepare for the next season, maintaining their academic performance will be essential, with potential impacts on recruitment efforts and team reputation. Continuous support and resources will be critical to uphold or exceed this standard.

Bottom Line

The impressive academic achievements of the Lakers not only highlight the talent on the court but also set a higher benchmark for future student-athletes. Clayton State's commitment to both academic excellence and athletic performance is paving the way for sustained success.