Tag: Naismith Trophy

Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles makes Naismith Trophy Watch List

Big honor for the point guard.

We’re getting to the point where we have to ask what Notre Dame point guard [autotag]Olivia Miles[/autotag] hasn’t been honored for in the preseason. She’s made the all-ACC preseason team and is on the watch list for the Nancy Lieberman Award. Now, she’s made the watch list for the Naismith Trophy, the top award in college basketball. Only [autotag]Ruth Riley[/autotag] in 2001 has won this award for the Irish.

Obviously, there’s a long way to go before we seriously can consider Miles as a contender for the award. A list of 30 potential winners will come out in February, and that list will be trimmed to 10 in early March and then four March 21. The winner will be announced March 29, two days before the Final Four starts.

Miles will face a lot of competition just from within the ACC, which has nine watch list members total. Saying more about that competition would be too obvious, so we’ll just leave it as it is.

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For The Win has Sacramento Kings selecting Iowa forward Keegan Murray as lottery pick in 2022 NBA draft

Iowa forward Keegan Murray is mocked to the Sacramento Kings in For The Win’s latest 2022 NBA mock draft.

Now that Iowa forward Keegan Murray has chosen to forgo his remaining years of eligibility, it appears he is in line for lottery pick money. That’s what For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky is projecting anyways.

Kalbrosky put together his 2022 NBA mock draft 5.0 where he predicted every pick of both rounds. In Kalbrosky’s latest mock draft, he forecasted the Sacramento Kings to draft Murray with the No. 6 overall pick.

Don’t overthink this one. I feel that Iowa’s Keegan Murray was pretty clearly the best player in college basketball and his skill set translates perfectly to the NBA.

All season, this guy was a scoring machine who could create his own basket at the rim with ease. He was also a good shooter and defensive playmaker; there is not very much he cannot do. – Kalbrosky, For The Win.

The Kings would be adding a player in Murray that burst onto the scene as a national player of the year candidate this past season with the Hawkeyes. After averaging 7.2 points per game as a freshman, Murray upped his average by more than 16 points in his breakout sophomore season. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native finished the 2021-22 season averaging 23.5 points per game. The 6-foot-8, 225 pound forward also averaged 8.7 rebounds per game, which ranked second in the Big Ten.

Before Murray at No. 6, Kalbrosky had the Houston Rockets taking Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren No. 1 overall, the Orlando Magic drafting Jabari Smith No. 2, the Detroit Pistons selecting Duke’s Paolo Banchero No. 3, the Oklahoma City Thunder landing Purdue’s Jaden Ivey and the Indiana Pacers choosing Arizona’s Benedict Mathurin.

Kalbrosky projected the rest of the lottery picks as follows: Duke’s AJ Griffin No. 7 to the Portland Trail Blazers, Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis No. 8 to the San Antonio Spurs, Kentucky’s Shaedon Sharpe No. 9 to the Portland Trail Blazers, Ohio State’s Malaki Branham No. 10 to the Washington Wizards, Baylor’s Jeremy Sochan No. 11 to the Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis’ Jalen Duren No. 12 to the New York Knicks, LSU’s Tari Eason No. 13 to the Atlanta Hawks and Duke’s Mark Williams No. 14 to the Charlotte Hornets.

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Iowa Hawkeyes star forward Keegan Murray declares for 2022 NBA draft

With potential lottery money on the line, star sophomore forward Keegan Murray declared for the 2022 NBA draft.

After averaging 23.5 points per game and helping lead Iowa to the program’s third Big Ten Tournament title, star sophomore forward [autotag]Keegan Murray[/autotag] officially declared for the 2022 NBA draft.

Murray is seen by many as a probable NBA draft lottery pick, so it only makes sense to avoid any risk of injury and position himself to earn lottery pick money straight away. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, product had a sophomore jump for the ages. After finishing his freshman season averaging 7.2 points per game, Murray upped those numbers by more than 16 points per game.

He also averaged 8.7 rebounds per game which ranked second in the Big Ten behind only Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn. Murray’s 23.5 points per game ranked fourth nationally and was tops among all power-five players. The 6-foot-8, 225 pound forward was a consensus first-team All-American, was named first team All-Big Ten, earned the Big Ten Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award and is one of four finalists for the 2022 Naismith Trophy.

“As a kid, I dreamed of playing in Carver-Hawkeye Arena and wearing the black and gold. I am forever grateful that coach McCaffery gave me the opportunity to live out my dream. You believed in me when few did, and you’re a big part of why I’m in this position today,” Murray wrote in his announcement.

Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery shared his excitement for Murray’s future and reflected on the outstanding two years he enjoyed with the Hawkeyes.

“We are excited for Keegan as he begins his professional journey. He has earned the right to be a lottery pick. Keegan is incredibly professional and even keeled with everything he does. Not only did Keegan accomplish things no other Hawkeye underclassman has ever done, but he also represented our program at the highest level. We fully support Keegan and will assist him every way we can throughout the draft process,” McCaffery said in a statement.

Murray ended this season shooting 55.4 percent from the floor and 39.8 percent from 3-point range. As The Rookie Wire’s Cody Taylor pointed out, Murray is the only player nationally that recorded at least 800 points, 300 rebounds, 60 blocks and 50 assists.

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E.J. Liddell named one of ten semifinalists for the Naismith Trophy

Some more recognition for E.J. Liddell …

It hasn’t been the ending to a season anyone associated with the Ohio State basketball program wants. The Buckeyes have now dropped four of its last five and got bounced from the Big Ten Tournament just as soon as it took the floor against Penn State on Thursday. The NCAA Tournament awaits.

Despite the team faltering down the stretch, junior forward E.J. Liddell was named one of ten semifinalists for the Naismith Trophy just one day after the Buckeyes were eliminated from the conference tournament.

Liddell has continued his development, coming back for one more year after he flirted with leaving for the NBA early after his sophomore season last year. He has improved almost every area of his game this year, including an increase in points per game (19.6), rebounds (7.9), blocks (2.6), assists (2.5), and minutes per game (33.1). He’s also shown more shooting touch, an increased ability to handle the basketball, and better effort guarding on the perimeter.

The other nine semifinalists include Ochai Agbaji of Kansas, Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn, Johnny Davis of Wisconsin, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Bennedict Mathurin of Arizona, Iowa’s Keegan Murray, Jabari Smith of Auburn, Gonzaga’s Drew Timme, and Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky.

The winner of the Naismith Trophy will be announced from five finalists at the conclusion of this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Kiki Rice, Dariq Whitehead win 2022 Naismith High School Player of the Year

Dariq Whitehead and Kiki Rice have been named the 2022 Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Players of the Year.

Montverde Academy (Fla.) senior forward and Duke commit Dariq Whitehead and Sidwell Friends School (Washington D.C.) guard Kiki Rice have been named the 2022 Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Players of the Year.

Whitehead helped Montverde — ranked sixth in the USA TODAY Sports Super 25 — to a 21-4 regular-season record with 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.2 blocks per game. He joins R.J. Barrett, Cade Cunningham and Ben Simmons as the fourth Montverde player to win the award.

“I am humbled and honored to become the fourth Montverde Academy player in the last eight years to receive the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Award,” Whitehead said, per release. “I want to thank Coach Boyle and the rest of my coaches along with my teammates, as well as Dr. Kasey Kesselring and the rest of the Montverde Academy community for helping to make this happen.” 

Rice, a UCLA commit, averaged 16 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.8 steals per game this season. She is the first McDonald’s All-American in Sidwell Friends School program history.

“This is a dream come true,” Rice said. “I am so honored to be recognized with the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy by the selection committee from a group of finalists that I personally know to be outstanding players. I am thankful for my family, teammates and coaches because I know without a doubt that without them this would not have been possible.” 

The Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Trophy for Player of the Year was first presented in 1987. The winners are selected by a group of basketball journalists from around the country who form the Naismith Awards national high school voting academy.

“In a highly competitive and thrilling basketball season, Kiki and Dariq were the most outstanding players in the nation and incredibly deserving to be honored with the Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Trophy as Players of the Year,” said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “They both have proven to be exceptional basketball players, and we wish them well as they continue their careers at the next level.”  

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2022 Naismith Trophy high school boys Player and Coach of the Year finalists announced

The finalists for the 2022 Naismith high school boys basketball Player of the Year trophy and boys Coach of the Year.

The Atlanta Tipoff Club announced the five finalists for the Naismith high school boys basketball Player of the Year trophy and boys Coach of the Year honors Thursday.

The finalists for player of the year are Wilbraham & Monson Academy (Mass.) center Kyle Filipowski, IMG Academy’s (Fla.) guard Keyonte George, Westtown School (Pa.) center Dereck Lively II, North Little Rock (Ark.) guard Nick Smith Jr. and Montverde Academy (Fla.) forward Dariq Whitehead.

Filipowski, Lively II and Whitehead are committed to Duke. George is committed to Baylor, while Smith Jr. is committed to Arkansas.

Sunrise Christian Academy’s (Kan.) Luke Barnwell, Richardson’s (Texas) Kevin Lawson, Duncanville’s (Texas) David Peavy, Link Academy’s (Mo.) Rodney Perry and Bishop Gorman’s (Nev.) Grant Rice round out the coach of the year finalists.

All five coach of the year candidates lead teams that are currently ranked in the USA TODAY Sports Super 25. Barnwell is the reigning coach of the year.

“While the pandemic has presented some challenges this season, it doesn’t minimize the talented players and coaches who’ve endured ups and downs to have tremendous seasons,” Atlanta Tipoff Club executive director Eric Oberman said, per release. “Our voters have come up with two solid sets of finalists, and now, we focus our energy on reaching the finish line and honoring the top performers for the Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Trophy and Coach of the Year.”

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Jordan Horston named to Naismith Trophy midseason list

Lady Vols’ guard named to Naismith midseason list.

Tennessee guard Jordan Horston has been named to the midseason list for the 2022 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy for Women’s Player of the Year.

Horston, a junior and native of Columbus, Ohio, is averaging 16.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in 20 contests this season.

She has recorded a team-high 10 double-doubles for the Lady Vols (19-4, 8-2 SEC) this season.

Horston has been Tennessee’s leading scorer 13 times this season. She’s had

In seven contests against ranked opponents this season, Horston has averaged 20.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 4.0 rebounds per game.

The No. 13 Lady Vols play Thursday, hosting Missouri at 6:30 p.m. EST at Thompson-Boling Arena.

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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.

“The story I think is real with the adversity he’s fought, but the other story is just how he’s improved as a player,” Beard said during an offseason media availability. “He looks better. He’s playing better. I’m predicting he’s going to have the best season he’s ever had.”

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.

Texas forward Greg Brown no longer on Naismith watch list

Texas forward Greg Brown was among the 50 players on the Naismith watch list to start the season.

At one point, Texas freshman forward Greg Brown was among the 50 players on the watch list for the Naismith Trophy. The coveted award is distributed annually to the most outstanding men’s basketball player.

However, the Longhorns and Brown have struggled on the court recently. After their hot 10-1 start to the season, Texas has progressively gotten worse and have since gone 2-4. To pour salt in the wound, many of their conference opponents have gotten better as the season has progressed.

On Thursday, the NCAA released a list of the 30 players still in contention for the Naismith Trophy midway through the season. The updated list includes Oklahoma State freshman and potential lottery pick Cade Cunningham along with the NCAA leading scorer in Iowa’s Luke Garza.

Brown was one of the 20 players left off of the list. With the Naismith award no longer in his reach, Texas is going to have to finish their schedule strong in order to be a part of March Madness.

Without an award winner or lottery pick player coupled with finishing the season on a downward spiral, the Longhorns could be among the first four out.

Duke Freshman Jalen Johnson Out Indefinitely With Injured Foot

When Notre Dame faces No. 22 Duke on Wednesday at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Blue Devils won’t be at full strength.

When Notre Dame faces No. 22 Duke on Wednesday, the Blue Devils won’t be at full strength. In fact, that will be the reality for Duke for the foreseeable future. Freshman forward Jalen Johnson, who has more talent than any other Blue Devil this season, has a foot injury and will be sidelined indefinitely. Duke, which recently announced that it is forgoing the remainder of its nonconference schedule, next plays Dec. 29 against Pittsburgh.

Johnson is projected to be a first-round selection in the 2021 NBA draft. He made the preseason watch lists for the Naismith Trophy, Wooden Award and Julius Erving Award, which goes to the top small forward in the country. He also was a first-team Preseason All-ACC selection. Through four games, he is averaging 11.5 points and 8.3 rebounds a game on 54.3 percent shooting from the field.

The Irish could get a chance to face Johnson when the teams meet again Feb. 9 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Regardless, a win against Duke is what every team strives for. It doesn’t even matter if you’re a conference rival. That’s the team you definitely want to beat when the opportunity arrives.