Jermaine Samuels named to 2021 Julius Erving Award Watch List

On Wednesday afternoon, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced its preseason watch list for the Julius Erving Award, an accolade given to the top small forward in men’s college basketball, and Villanova’s Jermaine Samuels made the list.

SMALL FORWARD U: The award is in its seventh year with three Villanovans taking home the award; Josh Hart in 2017, Mikal Bridges in 2018, and Saddiq Bey in 2020.

As a junior, the 6’7” Massachusetts native averaged 10.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 46.6% from the floor- including 27.6% from beyond the arc.

He is the only representative from the BIG EAST to be on the award’s Watch List. The winner of the award will be announced on April 9th.

Teammates Collin Gillespie was added to the Cousy Award Watch List and Justin Moore was on the Jerry West Award Watch List earlier this week.

2021 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award Candidates*

Derrick Alston Jr., Boise State

Jalen Johnson, Duke

Wendell Moore, Duke

Jayden Gardner, East Carolina

Keyontae Johnson, Florida

Corey Kispert, Gonzaga

Brandon Boston Jr., Kentucky

D.J. Jeffries, Memphis

Aaron Wiggins, Maryland

Isaiah Livers, Michigan

Aaron Henry, Michigan State

Ron Harper Jr., Rutgers

Matt Mitchell, San Diego State

Ziaire Williams, Stanford

Yves Pons, Tennessee

Terrence Shannon, Jr., Texas Tech

Chris Smith, UCLA

Timmy Allen, Utah

Jermaine Samuels, Villanova

Sam Hauser, Virginia