Get ready for an exciting basketball season as ten players from the Allstate Maui Invitational have been named to the Naismith Trophy preseason watch list. Among the talented athletes on the list are Adem Bona from UCLA, Hunter Dickinson from Kansas, Zach Edey from Purdue, Dajuan Harris Jr. from Kansas, Kam Jones from Marquette, Tyler Kolek from Marquette, Kevin McCullar Jr. from Kansas, Judah Mintz from Syracuse, Ryan Nembhard from Gonzaga, and Santiago Vescovi from Tennessee. With six of the eight teams in the tournament ranked in the Top 25 of the USA Today Coaches poll, including No. 1 Kansas and No. 2 Purdue, this year’s event is sure to showcase some incredible basketball talent. The 2023 Allstate Maui Invitational will take place at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center from November 20th to 22nd.
Top 10 Players Named to Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List
The excitement is building for college basketball fans as the Naismith Trophy preseason watch list has been released, featuring the top 10 players to watch out for this season. These players have already made a name for themselves and are expected to have a significant impact on their teams. Let’s take a closer look at each player on the list and what makes them stand out.
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Adem Bona, Sophomore, F/C, UCLA
Adem Bona, a sophomore forward/center from UCLA, is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Standing at an impressive 6’10”, Bona brings size and versatility to the Bruins’ lineup. His ability to dominate in the paint and contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a key player for UCLA this season. Keep an eye out for Bona’s powerful dunks and defensive prowess.
Hunter Dickinson, Senior, C, Kansas
Hunter Dickinson, a senior center from Kansas, is a dominant force in the paint. Standing at 7’1″, Dickinson has the size and strength to match up against any opponent. His scoring ability and shot-blocking skills make him a valuable asset for the Jayhawks. Expect Dickinson to make a big impact in the paint and control the boards for Kansas this season.
Zach Edey, Senior, C, Purdue
Zach Edey, a senior center from Purdue, is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Standing at 7’4″, Edey is one of the tallest players in college basketball. His towering presence and shot-blocking ability make him a game-changer for the Boilermakers. Look for Edey to dominate inside the paint and provide a strong defensive presence for Purdue.
Dajuan Harris Jr., Junior, G, Kansas
Dajuan Harris Jr., a junior guard from Kansas, brings speed and agility to the Jayhawks’ backcourt. Known for his quickness and defensive skills, Harris Jr. is a disruptive force on the court. His ability to steal the ball and create scoring opportunities for his teammates makes him a valuable asset for Kansas. Keep an eye out for Harris Jr.’s impressive court vision and playmaking abilities.
Kam Jones, Junior, G, Marquette
Kam Jones, a junior guard from Marquette, is an explosive scorer and playmaker. With his quickness and ability to create shots off the dribble, Jones is a nightmare for opposing defenses. His scoring ability and leadership skills make him a key player for the Golden Eagles. Expect Jones to put up big numbers and lead Marquette’s offense this season.
Tyler Kolek, Senior, G, Marquette
Tyler Kolek, a senior guard from Marquette, is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc. Known for his three-point shooting ability, Kolek stretches defenses and opens up scoring opportunities for his teammates. His shooting stroke and offensive instincts make him a valuable asset for the Golden Eagles. Look for Kolek to knock down clutch shots and provide a scoring punch for Marquette.
Kevin McCullar Jr., Senior, G, Kansas
Kevin McCullar Jr., a senior guard from Kansas, is a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Known for his defensive skills and ability to guard multiple positions, McCullar Jr. is a lockdown defender. His scoring ability and leadership make him a key player for the Jayhawks. Expect McCullar Jr. to make a big impact on both ends of the floor for Kansas this season.
Judah Mintz, Sophomore, G, Syracuse
Judah Mintz, a sophomore guard from Syracuse, is a rising star in college basketball. Known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, Mintz brings energy and excitement to the court. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates makes him a valuable asset for the Orange. Keep an eye out for Mintz’s electrifying performances and clutch plays for Syracuse.
Ryan Nembhard, Junior, G, Gonzaga
Ryan Nembhard, a junior guard from Gonzaga, is a dynamic playmaker and floor general. With his exceptional court vision and passing ability, Nembhard consistently finds his teammates in scoring positions. His ability to control the game and make smart decisions on the court make him a vital player for the Bulldogs. Expect Nembhard to orchestrate Gonzaga’s offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Santiago Vescovi, Fifth Year, G, Tennessee
Santiago Vescovi, a fifth-year guard from Tennessee, is a leader on and off the court. Known for his scoring ability and leadership skills, Vescovi brings experience and poise to the Volunteers’ lineup. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc and distribute the ball effectively make him a valuable asset for Tennessee. Look for Vescovi to provide stability and leadership for the Volunteers this season.
University of HawaiÊ»i at MÄnoa
The University of HawaiÊ»i at MÄnoa is hosting the 2023 Allstate Maui Invitational, where these top 10 players will showcase their skills. The tournament features some of the top teams in college basketball, including Kansas, Purdue, Marquette, Syracuse, Gonzaga, and UCLA. With six of the eight teams in the Top 25 of the USA Today Coaches poll, the competition is expected to be fierce.
The Naismith Trophy preseason watch list recognizes the top players in college basketball and serves as an early indicator of the talent to watch out for this season. These 10 players have proven themselves as exceptional athletes and will undoubtedly make an impact on their respective teams.
College basketball fans are in for a treat as these players showcase their skills and compete for the Naismith Trophy. Stay tuned for an exciting season filled with thrilling games and outstanding performances from these talented athletes.