New Jersey City sophomore swingman Dana John has been honored by the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association as the winner of the Sweetwater Clifton "City Spirit" Award for the month of April.

The award, named in honor of the Knicks' first African-American player, Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, recognizes those that have made a significant difference in the lives of others. Each month, a winner is chosen by members of the Knicks front office staff and honored at Madison Square Garden's center court prior to a home game. Each winner receives a $2,000 donation, in their name, to a charity of their choice. John chose to have the donation presented to The United Way.

John, 26, never played organized basketball at any level prior to attending NJCU as a freshman last year. He has managed to balance a successful basketball career with a full-time job with the United States Post Office from midnight to 8 a.m. during the week, a full-time academic course load, and basketball practice, while keeping family commitments that include caring for his 3-year-old son and handicapped nephew.

On the court, the player with no previous experience had a sensational sophomore campaign. John was voted to the D3hoops.com First-Team All-Atlantic Region in voting by the region's sports information directors and tabbed First-Team All-New Jersey Athletic Conference.

John led the Gothic Knights (19-10) to the NJAC regular season championship and within one shot of the NCAA Tournament. John averaged 18.4 points and 5.6 rebounds. He shot .456 from the field (167-for-366), .426 from three-point range (98-for-230), and .778 from the free-throw line (84-for-108).