Gonzaga players Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike have both been named to the Naismith Trophy preseason watch list, making Gonzaga one of the few schools with multiple selections. Nembhard, also recognized on the Bob Cousy Award watch list for the second consecutive year, led the West Coast Conference last season with an average of 6.9 assists per game and broke the school record for assists in a season. He averaged 12.6 points per game and is considered a top contender for the nation's best point guard award. Ike, who led Gonzaga in scoring at 16.3 points per game, is expected to be named to the Karl Malone Power Forward Award watch list. Both players contributed significantly to Gonzaga's success, leading the team to their ninth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Other Gonzaga players, including Nolan Hickman and Ben Gregg, are also in contention for various preseason awards.