Jan. 8, 2009
2008-09 Naismith Trophy Early Season Watch List
CHICAGO- Lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season was the unveiling of the 2008-09 Naismith Trophy Early Season Watch List at the end of December, and one of the 50 players in the running for national player of the year honors is UIC senior guard Josh Mayo (Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville H.S.).
Mayo joins reigning Naismith Trophy winner Tyler Hansbrough of North Carolina and 48 other notable college basketball players to earn early-season consideration for the nation's most prestigious individual honor.
The Naismith Trophy Early Season Watch List was compiled and released by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.
Mayo is the Horizon League's leading scorer, averaging 19.5 ppg heading into Thursday's game against Youngstown State.
The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T will be awarded at the 2009 NCAA Men's Final Four in Detroit. The award has been given to the nation's top player since 1969, with past winners including Hansbrough, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing and a who's-who list of the best in the sport.
