University of North Carolina freshmen Ian Jackson and Drake Powell have been named to the preseason watchlist for the Julius Erving Award, which honors the nation’s best small forward in Division I men’s college basketball. The 20 watch-list candidates were announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, with fan voting opening on November 1. The watch list will be narrowed to 10 in late January, then to five in late February, before a winner is selected in March by a selection committee that includes media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
Ian Jackson and Drake Powell join a list of talented players from schools like Arizona, Duke, Gonzaga, and Kansas, among others, vying for the prestigious award. Players can move on and off the list throughout the 2024-25 season.
The Julius Erving Award, named after the basketball legend, is celebrating its 11th year of recognizing outstanding small forwards in college basketball. The finalists will be presented to Julius Erving and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee for the final decision. Both Jackson and Powell have received recognition for their skills and are poised to make an impact in their freshman season at UNC. Fans of the Tar Heels will have the opportunity to support them through the voting process as they compete for the prestigious award.
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