Tag: Naismith Trophy watch list

Auburn’s Bruce Pearl leads group of candidates for Naismith Coach of the Year

Bruce Pearl among an impressive group vying for the coach of the year award.

It has been quite the turnaround from last season for the Auburn Tigers. Under the guidance of head coach Bruce Pearl, the team went from 13-14 overall and 7-11 in SEC play to one of the top teams in the country.

This year Auburn is looked at as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament with a record of 24-3 and 12-2 in SEC action. The additions of Jabari Smith in recruiting as well as transfers Walker Kessler, KD Johnson, Zep Jasper, and Wendell Green Jr have allowed the turnaround to happen at a faster rate.

Pearl is getting a lot of recognition for his efforts. Viewed as the man to beat for the SEC Coach of the Year award, he is also in contention for national coach of the year honors. The Naismith Trophy recently released their watchlist of 15 coaches in college basketball.

Pearl won the SEC honors twice during his tenure at Tennessee and was also named Sporting News coach of the year. He has yet to get the distinction of being awarded the Naismith Trophy. This could be the year.

The candidate list for the NaismiethTrophy watch list.

Walker Kessler, Jabari Smith among Naismith Trophy watch list

These two have been huge for the team’s success.

Ahead of the Auburn Tigers matchup on Saturday against Texas A&M, we have an update to the Naismith Trophy watch list. The midseason team features two Tigers with Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith.

Kessler is coming off a huge performance in the overtime loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks. He poured in 16 points and cleaned the glass with 19 boards.

This season the former North Carolina transfer has averaged 11.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 4.3 blocks per game for the Tigers. After not starting a single game for the Tar Heels, Kessler has started every game for Bruce Pearl. As a freshman, he saw just 8.8 minutes per game while now seeing 25.3 on a per night basis.

His per 40-minute numbers paint just how impactful he has been. Averaging 18.3 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 6.9 blocks.

Kessler’s teammate Jabari Smith is also having a huge season for the Tigers. Much like his front-court running mate, Smith has started all 24 games for Auburn. In 27.8 minutes per game, Smith adds 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and one block.

His per 40-minute numbers are impressive as well. Smith has 22.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. They are both huge additions to the 2021-22 team that is currently 22-2 and No. 1 in the AP poll.

Auburn looks to get back into the win column on Saturday when they host the Aggies. College Gameday will be in town to get everyone prepared for the matchup. Texas A&M is coming off their loss to LSU last time out on their home floor.

This will be the first of the final four games at Auburn Arena. The school will have a renaming ceremony on Mar. 5 against South Carolina. From that point on it will be known as Neville Arena.

Texas Basketball: Marcus Carr and Andrew Jones named to Naismith Trophy watch list

Texas basketball is loaded with talent, Marcus Carr and Andrew Jones were named to the Naismith Trophy watch list this week.

The Naismith Trophy is given annually to the most outstanding college basketball player in the country. TJ Ford (2003) and Kevin Durant (2007) won the Naismith during their time as Longhorns.

Texas is one of only seven schools with multiple winners.

The Naismith Trophy released their preseason watch list on Monday. Texas guards Marcus Carr and Andrew Jones were among the 50 players mentioned, along with seven other Big 12 players.

  • Adam Flager, Baylor
  • James Akinjo, Baylor
  • Matthew Mayer, Baylor
  • David McCormack, Kansas
  • Ochai Agbaji, Kansas
  • Remy Martin, Kansas
  • Terrance Shannon, Texas Tech

While Carr tested the NBA draft waters this offseason, Texas head coach Chris Beard maintained a strong relationship with him during the process. Carr ultimately decided another year of college would benefit him. With the Horns looking for a point guard, it was a perfect match. Carr signed with Texas capping off one of the best transfer classes in the country.

Last season at Minnesota, Carr was named first-team All-Big Ten, averaging 19.4 points, 4.9 assists and four rebounds.

Andrew Jones is one of the few returners from last year’s team. Beard believes the two-time All-Big 12 Conference selection will have his best season yet.

ā€œThe story I think is real with the adversity heā€™s fought, but the other story is just how heā€™s improved as a player,ā€ Beard said during an offseason media availability. ā€œHe looks better. Heā€™s playing better. Iā€™m predicting heā€™s going to have the best season heā€™s ever had.ā€

Jones has a feel for clutch moments and will continue to build on his already impressive legacy this year.

Ranked No. 5 in the AP preseason poll, Texas will begin the season at home against Houston Baptist on Nov. 9.

Florida has a player on the Naismith Trophy Watch List

Florida’s star junior forward Keyontae Johnson continues to collect recognition with his latest inclusion on the Naismith Trophy Watch List.

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The finalists for the 2021 Jersey Mikeā€™s Naismith Trophy Watch List were announced on Thursday, with one particular Florida Gator continuing to rack up the preseason accolades.

Junior forward Keyontae Johnson ā€”Ā who was voted the Preseason SEC Player of the Year by select Southeastern Conference and national media members over a week ago, along with the same honor from CBS Sports last month and a recent mention on the watch list for the Julius Erving Award ā€”Ā was included among the 50 names mentioned.

During his sophomore campaign, Johnson provided a much-needed source of consistency for a fledgling Florida team, earning First Team All-SEC honors for his efforts in what was a frustrating year for the Gators. He was critical to UF’s inside game on offense, providing a steady stream of scoring close to the basket while also holding his own on defense. He totaled eight double-doubles and scored 20-plus points six times, including a season-high 25 in a win against LSU in the Oā€™Dome on Feb. 26.

Hopefully, the talented Gators forward can exceed his expectations and help lead Florida to a deep postseason run next spring. There is a lot riding on his broad shoulders and if he can once again bring the consistency and production he brought last season, UF should be sitting pretty come March.

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Texas Longhorns Basketball: Greg Brown III named to Naismith Trophy watchlist

The Naismith Trophy announced their preseason watchlist, with Greg Brown making the cut. In total, 50 players appeared on the list.

When Greg Brown III signed his letter of intent with the Longhorns, he ranked as the sixth highest-rated recruit to ever attend Texas according to the 247Sports composite. Not only does he have the chance to shine as one of the top players in the Big 12 but as one of the best in the country.

The Naismith Trophy announced their preseason watchlist on Thursday, with Brown making the cut. In total, 50 players appeared on the list. Five other Big 12 players also made the list, including star freshman point guard Cade Cunningham from Oklahoma State.

Here is the rest of the conference players on the watchlist:

  • Jared Butler, Baylor
  • Marcus Garrett, Kansas
  • MaCio Teague, Baylor
  • Oscar Tshiebwe, West Virginia

In the press release, the Naismith Trophy explains how the selection process for the award will work throughout the season.

A list of the midseason 30 team will be released in early February, followed by the 10 national semifinalists and four finalists on March 4, 2021, and March 16, 2021, respectively. Players who do not make the watch list are still eligible to be selected for the midseason 30 team. The 2021 Jersey Mikeā€™s Naismith Trophy will be awarded during the Final Four at the Naismith Awards Brunch on April 4, 2021.

For Brown, he is expected to be a star right away for head coach Shaka Smart. When he takes the court, Brown is expected to instantly be the most athletic player out there. Size, speed, and strength will fit in perfectly with Smart’s system.

Anything less than an NCAA Tournament appearance and a first-round win will be considered a disappointment for the Longhorns. After being so close to making the tournament last season, Brown will elevate Texas to those new goals.

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Texas Basketball: Charli Collier named to Naismith Trophy watch list

Texas women’s basketball forward Charli Collier has been named to the Naismith Trophy watch list. The award is given to the top player.

The Texas women’s basketball team will be under new leadership as they begin the 2020-21 college basketball season. Continue reading “Texas Basketball: Charli Collier named to Naismith Trophy watch list”