Fultz Named to Naismith Player of the Year Watchlist
November 10, 2016 | Men's Basketball
ATLANTA, Ga. – University of Washington freshman Markelle Fultz has been named one of 50 student-athletes on the watch list for the 2017 Naismith Player of the Year Award presented by the Atlanta Tip Off Club. Fultz is one of two freshman on the watch list and one of six players from the Pac-12 Conference. The annual honor, which started in 1969, recognizes the nation's top player.
Fultz is one of the most decorated freshmen to come to Seattle as he wrapped up his prep career as a McDonalds All-American, a Jordan Brand Classic selection and a member of the Under 18 Team USA squad that won the 2016 FIBA Americas Championships in July. He was named the MVP of that tournament after scoring 23 in the championship game and averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 assists and four rebounds in five games during the event. He was also recently named to the watch list for the Bob Cousy Award given annually to the nation's top point guard.
The freshman, out of Upper Marlboro, Md., was named a preseason first team All-American by CBS Sports and Athlon and averaged 21.4 points for the Huskies during this summer's foreign tour in Australia and New Zealand. He was the 2016 All-USA Maryland Player of the year and led all scorers at the Under Armour All-American camp with 22.8 points per game. Along with competing in the 2016 Under Armour Elite 24 game, Fultz led DeMatha Catholic to the Maryland Private School League Championship after averaging 19.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
The list will be narrowed down to 30 on February 9, 2017. At the end of the season the Naismith Trophy is awarded to the player of the year in men's college basketball. A national voting academy of leading basketball coaches, administrators and journalists narrows the group down to four finalists based on player performance throughout the season. The final four Naismith finalists will make up the ballot and the player of the year is voted on by the group.
The Atlanta Tipoff Club was founded in the late 1950's as a way for local basketball enthusiasts to share their love and enjoyment of basketball. The mission of the organization is to promote, develop and celebrate the sport in metro Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia. The club's annual Naismith Awards recognize the top players and coaches in women's and men's basketball at the national, state and local level.
Fultz is one of the most decorated freshmen to come to Seattle as he wrapped up his prep career as a McDonalds All-American, a Jordan Brand Classic selection and a member of the Under 18 Team USA squad that won the 2016 FIBA Americas Championships in July. He was named the MVP of that tournament after scoring 23 in the championship game and averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 assists and four rebounds in five games during the event. He was also recently named to the watch list for the Bob Cousy Award given annually to the nation's top point guard.
The freshman, out of Upper Marlboro, Md., was named a preseason first team All-American by CBS Sports and Athlon and averaged 21.4 points for the Huskies during this summer's foreign tour in Australia and New Zealand. He was the 2016 All-USA Maryland Player of the year and led all scorers at the Under Armour All-American camp with 22.8 points per game. Along with competing in the 2016 Under Armour Elite 24 game, Fultz led DeMatha Catholic to the Maryland Private School League Championship after averaging 19.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
The list will be narrowed down to 30 on February 9, 2017. At the end of the season the Naismith Trophy is awarded to the player of the year in men's college basketball. A national voting academy of leading basketball coaches, administrators and journalists narrows the group down to four finalists based on player performance throughout the season. The final four Naismith finalists will make up the ballot and the player of the year is voted on by the group.
The Atlanta Tipoff Club was founded in the late 1950's as a way for local basketball enthusiasts to share their love and enjoyment of basketball. The mission of the organization is to promote, develop and celebrate the sport in metro Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia. The club's annual Naismith Awards recognize the top players and coaches in women's and men's basketball at the national, state and local level.
Players Mentioned
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