DAHLONEGA -- In the latest edition of the Nighthawk Sports Network's The Hawks Nest, UNG head men's basketball coach Dan Evans sits down to discuss and exciting 2023-24 season as his team prepares for another big year in the 2024-25 campaign.

In an all new conversation with Nighthawk Director of Athletic Communciation Brendan Schabath, Evans recaps a wild ride last year from the program's first ever Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship and Southeast Regional Championship, to UNG's appearance in the 2024 NCAA Divison II Elite Eight in Evansville, Ind. and everything in between.

Evans discusses his methodology and goals when building a program and bringing new players into the UNG family. He also talks about his own family and what drew him to North Georgia after starting his head coaching career at Ohio Dominican. 

Evans also dives into the setting and maintaining of expectations for a highly anticipated 2024-25 season. He highlights the team's opening games in the 2024 Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Lakeland, Fla. 

"It's really the premier preseason event at our level," said Evans. "Every year when you go back and look at it, the best programs in the country are there... I think it's fun. The teams we play, regionally they're different and their style of play is very different. I think both of those things are very cool and will be a good test for us." 

The season begins on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. against St. Thomas Aquinas at George W. Jenkins Field House. Last year, the Spartans went 25-6 and were a top 25 team before losing in the first round of the NCAA East Regional Tournament. St. Thomas Aquinas received the sixth most votes of any team outside the top 25 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) preseason poll.

24 hours later, UNG will go up against one of its toughest opponents in recent history. The Nighthawks will face reigning National Champion and NABC preseason No. 1 Minnesota State on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. Minnesota State went 35-2 last season out of the Central Region, defeating then No. 1 Nova Southeastern 88-85 in the National Championship. The Mavericks return two of their top three scorers from their national title run.

It was announced on Wednesday that the Nighthawks were selected third in the PBC Preseason Coaches Poll ahead of the new season. UNG junior guard AJ White was one of five players selected to the PBC Preseason All-Conference Team. The PBC All-Conference First Team and NABC All-District First Team selection from last year returns to the Nighthawk lineup after surpassing 1,000 career points last season. 

A season ago, White ranked second in the league in field goals (188) and free throws made (138) and led the conference in total points (583) and ranked fourth in points per game (17.1).

Get ready for the 2024-25 season and beyond with an all new edition of The Hawks Nest.