Matthew Hurt, Kahlil Whitney, Scottie Lewis, Jaden McDaniels featured on Julius Erving Watch List

Duke freshman Matthew Hurt, Florida freshman Scottie Lewis, Washington freshman Jaden McDaniels and Kentucky freshman Kahlil Whitney are among the 20 players named to the watch list for the Julius Erving Award, presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to the top small forward in college basketball.

The list has a heavy New York/Jersey flavor as Memphis freshman Precious Achiuwa, who lived in The Bronx for five years, and St. John’s junior L.J. Figueroa made the list in addition to Lewis and Whitney, two New Jersey natives. The list also includes Syracuse’s Elijah Hughes and Louisville’s Jordan Nwora, a Buffalo native and the ACC Preseason Player of the Year.

Julius Erving attended the University of Massachusetts and averaged 26.3 points and 20.2 rebounds per game, making him one of only six NCAA men’s basketball players to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds per game. After two seasons, Erving made the jump to the American Basketball Association and was the league’s most recognizable player when it merged with the National Basketball Association in 1976. During his professional career, Erving won three championships, four most valuable player awards and three scoring titles. In 1996, he was named a member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.

New to the award this season is Fan Voting presented by Dell Technologies in each of the three rounds. By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the Erving Award will be narrowed to just 10. In March, five finalists will be presented to Mr. Erving and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. The winner of the 2020 Julius Erving Award will be presented at The College Basketball Awards presented by Wendy’s in Los Angeles on Friday, April 10, 2020.

2020 Erving Award Watch List

Josh Green — Arizona

Matthew Hurt — Duke

Scottie Lewis — Florida

Corey Kispert — Gonzaga

Seth Towns — Harvard

Xavier Sneed — Kansas State

Kahlil Whitney — Kentucky

Jordan Nwora — Louisville

Precious Achiuwa — Memphis

Tres Tinkle — Oregon St.

Alpha Diallo — Providence

Nojel Eastern — Purdue

LJ Figueroa — St. John’s

Elijah Hughes — Syracuse

Chris Clarke — Texas Tech

Anthony Lamb — Vermont

Saddiq Bey — Villanova

Jaden McDaniels — Washington

CJ Elleby — Washington State

Naji Marshall — Xavier