McCollum named to Naismith Early Season Watch List

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh senior guard C.J. McCollum continues to garner impressive recognition as earlier this week, he was named to the Naismith Award Early Season Watch List. A First Team All-American by multiple outlets, McCollum was also named a Wooden Award Finalist late last week. In total, there are 50 players on the watch list which will eventually dwindle to one. The Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year presented by AT&T will be awarded on Apr. 7, 2013 in Atlanta.

McCollum is the only Patriot Leaguer recognized on the list, joining a star-studded group including Creighton’s Doug McDermott who was named a finalist for the award last year, and Indiana’s Cody Zeller, also a First Team All-American (like McCollum).

In late February, the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors will compile a mid-season team of the top 30 players in the nation. Then in March, the Naismith Trophy voting academy will narrow the list to the four finalists.

McCollum was named a preseason First Team All-American by the Associated Press, ESPN and Sporting News. The three-time preseason Patriot League Player of the Year has started 2012-13 with a bang, averaging 24.0 points and 5.0 rebounds through three games. He scored 36 points at Baylor before following with 19 vs. Robert Morris and 17 against Pittsburgh. McCollum has been efficient, shooting 50 percent from the field (29-of-58) and 43 percent from three-point range (6-of-14).

Other notable Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year alumni include two three-time winners in Bill Walton and Ralph Sampson, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant and last year’s winner, Anthony Davis of Kentucky. The Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year presented by AT&T is the most prestigious national award presented annually to college basketball’s best player.

For more information, visit www.naismithawards.com.

Lehigh is hosting a consolation round of the NIT Season Tip-Off next Monday (Nov. 19) and Tuesday (Nov. 20). The Mountain Hawks will welcome Fairfield on Monday and Penn on Tuesday, with both games tipping at 8:30 p.m. Fordham is also in the bracket and will face Penn Monday and Fairfield Tuesday, both at 6 p.m. Tickets are now available on Lehighsports.com. Just click here to purchase tickets online or call 610-758-4263. One ticket will be good for both games each day.

Like Lehigh Men’s Basketball on Facebook and follow on Twitter for exclusive content, team updates and more.

2012-13 Naismith Trophy Early Season Watch List