The Norfolk Sports Club presented NSU men's basketball star Joe Bryant Jr. the Leigh Williams Memorial Award on Tuesday evening. 

The recognition came during the 76th Annual Norfolk Sports Club Jamboree at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. The Leigh Williams Memorial Award is given to Virginia's outstanding collegiate athlete.

"I want to thank God for putting me in this position and my family for their support," Bryant said. "I definitely feel blessed to be up here."

The award was presented by Norfolk State men's basketball head coach Robert Jones, who applauded Bryant's journey from a freshman with limited playing time to a two-time MEAC Player of the Year.

"Joe Bryant is a kid that took the stairs, not the elevator, to the top." Jones said. "

Bryant became the first Spartan to receive the honor since Jermaine Bishop in 2019, and third all-time. 

Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Famer Jack Ankerson, who served as Tuesday's master of ceremonies, highlighted the community's enthusiasm for Norfolk native Bryant at the 2023 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.

"I can assure you nobody at the PIT has had as much support as Joe Bryant Jr," Ankerson said.