University Southern California Trojans
Photo by: John McGillen
Melton Named To The Jerry West Award Watch List
October 17, 2017 | Men's Basketball, Features
USC sophomore De'Anthony Melton was one of 20 players to be named to the preseason watch list for the Jerry West Award as the nation's top shooting guard. The award is named after the Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four MVP Jerry West and recognizes the top shooting guards in Division I men's college basketball.
"Jerry West is one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game and by far one of the most competitive personalities in the game as well," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. "These 20 collegiate athletes have worked tirelessly to earn their spots on this watch list and have shown similar work ethics and skills as the esteemed Jerry West."
Melton averaged 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks while appearing in all 36 games for the Trojans in the 2016-17 season. He led the Pac-12 with 69 steals, tied for the most-ever by a USC freshman, and was named honorable mention on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team. Since the 1992-93 season, Melton and Dwayne Wade are the only NCAA freshmen to average at least 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Melton's first season ranked among USC's all-time freshmen top 10 in steals (T-1st), assists (3rd), free throws made (7th), blocks (T-7th) and rebounds (8th).
By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2018 Jerry West Award will be narrowed to 10. In March, five finalist will be presented to Mr. West and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The winner of the award will be presented at the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show presented by Wendy's in Los Angeles, Calif. on April 6, 2018.
"Jerry West is one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game and by far one of the most competitive personalities in the game as well," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. "These 20 collegiate athletes have worked tirelessly to earn their spots on this watch list and have shown similar work ethics and skills as the esteemed Jerry West."
Melton averaged 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks while appearing in all 36 games for the Trojans in the 2016-17 season. He led the Pac-12 with 69 steals, tied for the most-ever by a USC freshman, and was named honorable mention on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team. Since the 1992-93 season, Melton and Dwayne Wade are the only NCAA freshmen to average at least 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Melton's first season ranked among USC's all-time freshmen top 10 in steals (T-1st), assists (3rd), free throws made (7th), blocks (T-7th) and rebounds (8th).
By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2018 Jerry West Award will be narrowed to 10. In March, five finalist will be presented to Mr. West and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The winner of the award will be presented at the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show presented by Wendy's in Los Angeles, Calif. on April 6, 2018.
Monday, June 22
Monday, June 22
Monday, June 22
Monday, June 22
