The Hope College men’s basketball team stood out on the court last season and in the classroom during the 2021-22 school year.

The MIAA champion Flying Dutchmen claimed the National Association of Basketball Coaches Association Team Academic Excellence Award for the second consecutive season.

Additionally, four members of the Flying Dutchmen earned individual honors by making the NABC Honors Court: seniors Jeff Bikus and Tyler George and juniors Brady Swinehart and Evan Thomas.

Led by head coach Greg Mitchell, Hope won the MIAA during the 2021-22 season with a 12-2 league record. The Flying Dutch reached the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament and finished with a 22-7 overall record.

Bikus (Hawthorn Hills, Illinois / Mundelein) graduated in May after majoring in business. A forward, Bikus averaged a career 10.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season.

George (Ada, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) graduated in May after majoring in business. A guard, George scored 11.3 points per game last season — his third in a row in double figures.

Swinehart (Ionia, Michigan / Ionia) is a public accounting major. A guard, Swinehart appeared in a career-high 18 games last season.

Thomas (Okemos, Michigan / Michigan) is a biology major. A guard, Thomas received NABC All-America Second Team honors and was named the MIAA’s Most Valuable Player last season.