Braden Smith and Others on Prestigious Watch Lists

Purdue's Braden Smith has been nominated for the Naismith National Player of the Year and Bob Cousy Award watch lists, aiming to fill the void left by former winner Zach Edey. Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. has earned significant preseason recognition, being named to the First-Team All-SEC and Naismith Trophy Men's College Player of the Year Watch List, after leading the Gators with an impressive 2023-24 season. Motiejus Krivas from Arizona and Samson Johnson from UConn are among the 20 players on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award watch list, highlighting top centers in Division I basketball. Arizona's Caleb Love is recognized as one of the top shooting guards, listed as a candidate for the Jerry West Award, alongside former teammate R.J. Davis. Additionally, Vanderbilt's quarterback Diego Pavia has been named to the Davey O'Brien Award watch list, contributing significantly to the team's 5-3 record.