# Naismith Hall of Fame releases NCAA preseason watch lists

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bob-cousy-award-preseason-watch-list-release
> Updated: 2026-10-26T17:00:02.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has expanded its preseason announcements for the 2026-27 NCAA Division I basketball season, releasing top 20 watch lists for several prestigious awards across both men’s and women’s categories.

In the men’s division, the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award features candidates such as Chance Mallory (Virginia), Quinn Ellis (St. John’s), Markus Burton (Indiana), and Boogie Fland (Florida). The Jerry West Award, recognizing the top shooting guard, includes players such as Finley Bizjack (West Virginia), Austin Goosby (Texas), and Tyler Perkins (Villanova). The Julius Erving Award for top small forwards features candidates like Tounde Yessoufou (St. John’s) and Juke Harris (Tennessee).

For women’s basketball, the Hall of Fame announced the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award for top shooting guards, featuring Talaysia Cooper (Ole Miss) and Asia Boone (Kentucky). The Cheryl Miller Award for top small forwards includes candidates such as Achol Akot (North Carolina) and Natalie Potts (Nebraska), alongside the Katrina McClain Award for standout talent.

The selection process involves a fan voting period beginning October 30. Following this, the lists will be narrowed to ten players in February and five finalists in March, with final winners chosen by a committee of coaches, media members, and Hall of Famers.

## Claims

- The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the preseason watch lists for the Julius Erving and Jerry West awards. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Julius Erving Award recognizes the top small forward in men's Division I basketball. (reported by 2 sources)
- Fan voting for the Julius Erving Award begins on October 30. (reported by 2 sources)
- The Julius Erving Award watch list will be narrowed to 10 players in February and five finalists in March. (reported by 2 sources)
- The Jerry West Award recognizes the top shooting guard in Division I men's college basketball. (reported by 1 source)
- Tounde Yessoufou is on the preseason top 20 watch list for the Julius Erving Award. (reported by 1 source)
- Austin Goosby is on the preseason watch list for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award. (reported by 1 source)
- Juke Harris is on the preseason top 20 watch list for the Julius Erving Award. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Naismith Hall of Fame announces preseason watch lists for major NCAA awards

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced preseason watch lists for several prestigious NCAA Division I awards, including the Jerry West, Bob Cousy, Ann Meyers Drysdale, Cheryl Miller, and Julius Er빙er

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/naismith-hall-of-fame-announces-bob-cousy-award-preseason-watch-list

### 2026-10-25: College basketball preseason watch lists and player previews

Preseason college basketball updates include eight SEC point guards named to the Bob Cousy Award watch list and a preview of Ohio State guard Jimmie Williams.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/college-basketball-preseason-watch-lists-and-player-previews

---
Cite as: Naismith Hall of Fame releases NCAA preseason watch lists. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bob-cousy-award-preseason-watch-list-release