Kalkbrenner Named to Naismith Trophy Watchlist

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has released its watchlist for the 2025 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, with Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner among the 20 candidates. Kalkbrenner, a standout center entering his fifth season, averaged 17.3 points and 7.6 rebounds last year and has been named Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year. WVU's Tucker DeVries and Kansas' trio of Hunter Dickinson, Dajuan Harris Jr., and AJ Storr are also recognized on various Naismith watchlists, highlighting their impressive statistics and accolades from previous seasons. Dickinson is noted for his scoring ability, while Harris Jr. is celebrated for his defensive prowess. Penn State's Ace Baldwin Jr. has also been acknowledged for both the Naismith Trophy and the Bob Cousy Point Guard Award, showcasing his defensive skills and offensive contributions. As the college basketball season approaches, these players are poised to make significant impacts for their respective teams.