Tag: Naismith Trophy

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.Ā 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 andĀ 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 theĀ 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 Mikeā€™s Naismith Award,ā€ 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.”Ā 

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.

ā€œThis is a dream come true,ā€ Rice said. ā€œI am so honored to be recognized with the Jersey Mikeā€™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.ā€Ā 

The Jersey Mikeā€™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.

ā€œIn 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 Mikeā€™s Naismith High School Trophy as Players of the Year,ā€ said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. ā€œThey both have proven to be exceptional basketball players, and we wish them well as they continue their careers at the next level.ā€Ā Ā 

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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.

ā€œWhile the pandemic has presented some challenges this season, it doesnā€™t minimize the talented players and coaches whoā€™ve endured ups and downs to have tremendous seasons,ā€ Atlanta Tipoff Club executive director Eric Oberman said, per release. ā€œOur 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 Mikeā€™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.

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.

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.

MSU Basketball Small Forward Aaron Henry named to Naismith Trophy Watchlist

Michigan State Basketball Small Forward Aaron Henry has been named to the preseason Naismith Trophy Watchlist.

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With the two best players of last season getting drafted last night, it means someone is going to have to step up for the Spartans and fill in the void they left. Enter Aaron Henry, who has already been named one of the captains for his junior year. It also hasn’t gone unnoticed that he might be in for a breakout year as he has been named to the Naismith Trophy Watchlist.

The Naismith Trophy is awarded to the top college basketball player of the season. Obi Toppin is the most recent recipient and it culminated in a top 10 draft pick last night.

Henry last season averaged 10 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 2.9 APG in 29 MPG. Henry did declare for the draft this year but ultimately decided to return for his junior year. Will this decision pay big dividends? Will it improve his draft stock?

Henry and the Spartans begin the season next week against Eastern Michigan on Nov. 25th.

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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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