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Bernard James wins the Most Courageous Award

Florida State Seminoles Bernard James blocks Cincinnati Bearcats Sean Kilpatrick during their NCAA third round basketball game in Nashville

Florida State Seminoles Bernard James (L) blocks Cincinnati Bearcats Sean Kilpatrick during their men’s NCAA third round basketball game in Nashville, Tennessee, March 18, 2012. REUTERS/Harrison McClary (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)

REUTERS

In a move perhaps less surprising that Anthony Davis winning National Player of the Year awards, Bernard James has been presented with the Most Courageous Award by the USWBA.

In a story that everyone has likely heard by now, James served in the Air Force from 2003-2008, touring Iraq, Afghanistan and Qatar while earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. When he returned to the States, James spent two years at Tallahassee Community College before spending the past two seasons with Florida State.

“I am honored and humbled to have won the Most Courageous Award from the USBWA,” said James. “I am very proud of my accomplishments in the Air Force and at Florida State; both experiences have helped make me the man that I am today. For that I am thankful to all of the men and women who I served with in the Air Force and to all of my teammates and the coaching staff at Florida State who allowed me to be part of a very special basketball program.”

James averaged 10.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 2.3 bpg this season while being named All-ACC Honorable Mention and to the ACC All-Defensive team.

He shared the award with Pat Summitt, who coached the Tennessee women despite battling early onset dementia.

Rob Dauster is the editor of the college basketball website Ballin’ is a Habit. You can find him on twitter @robdauster.