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Senior small forward Josh Hart, has been named to the preseason watch list for the Julius Erving Award given annually to the nation’s best small forward. Named after Hall of Famer and 16-year professional basketball player Julius Erving, the annual honor in its third year recognizes the top small forwards in Division I men’s college basketball.
A national committee comprised of top college basketball personnel determined the watch list of 20 candidates.
As a junior, Hart averaged 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game for the National Champion Villanova Wildcats. He was named the BIG EAST Conference preseason Player of the Year last week.
The BIG EAST is also represented by Kelan Martin (Butler) and Trevon Bluiett (Xavier).
The award was introduced two years ago and has been claimed by Stanley Johnson (Arizona) and Denzel Valentine (Michigan State).
2017 Julius Erving Award Watch List
| Player | School |
|---|---|
| Evan Bradds | Belmont |
| Kelan Martin | Butler |
| Jaron Blossomgame | Clemson |
| Terry Larrier | Connecticut |
| Jayson Tatum | Duke |
| Dwayne Bacon | Florida State |
| OG Anunoby | Indiana |
| Deng Adel | Louisville |
| Justin Jackson | North Carolina |
| VJ Beachem | Notre Dame |
| Jae'Sean Tate | Ohio State |
| Dillon Brooks | Oregon |
| Tres Tinkle | Oregon State |
| Vince Edwards | Purdue |
| Dikembe Dixson | UIC |
| Kevin Hervey | UT Arlington |
| Jalen Moore | Utah State |
| Josh Hart | Villanova |
| Markis McDuffie | Wichita State |
| Trevon Bluiett | Xavier |