3 Canadians Named to Naismith Player of the Year Watch List

The Naismith Trophy announced its midseason list of candidates for the player of the year award–three Canadian were on it, a list comprised of 35 players across America.

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Jamal Murray (Kitchener, ON / Kentucky)

• Averaging 18.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.3 APG for the 18-6 Kentucky Wildcats.
• 5th in Scoring Among NCAA Freshman
• 40% 3P FG
• First freshman in UK history with 2 3-point games (33, 35)
• Has hit at least one 3-pointer in every game
• On pace to set scoring record in John Calipari Era
• 1 of 2 freshman to make list (Ben Simmons)

Dillon Brooks (Mississauga, ON / Oregon)

• Averaging 16.9 PPG, 6 RPG, 3.2 APG for 20-4 Oregon Ducks
• 3rd in PAC-12 in scoring
• Frontrunner PAC-12 Player of the Year
• Career-high 30 points VS Utah

Kyle Wiltjer (British Columbia / Gonzaga)

• Averaging 21.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG for 19-5 Gonzaga
• 14 20+ point
• 5 30+ point games
• 4 Double-Doubles
• Leads Gonzaga with 61 3-pointers
• 2-time WCC player of the week

Winner of the Naismith award will be announced April 3 at the NCAA Final Four.