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
Two of the Top 50 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/ceZaJvwBC8
— Texas Men's Basketball (@TexasMBB) November 8, 2021
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.