Carson, Ajavon Selected as Preseason Candidates for Naismith Trophy
Dec 11 | Women's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Juniors Matee Ajavonand Essence Carson were named as preseason candidates for the Naismith Trophy presented by Cingular Wireless, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Monday.
The top 50 list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists, coaches and administrators from around the country. The board based its preseason criteria on player performances from last season and expectations for the 2006-07 season.
Avajon, a preseason All-BIG EAST honoree, averaged 12.6 points last season for the Scarlet Knights. In addition, the junior paced the team in assists (4.5/game) and steals (2.6/game) en route to all-BIG EAST first team honors. After missing the start of the this season following an injury, Ajavon returned to the court earlier this week to average 13.3 points and 2.6 assists in three games.
Carson, the reigning BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year, is averaging 10.3 points and 4.4 rebounds a game in Rutgers' seven contests. Carson was a gold-medalist at the 2006 FIBA Americas U20 Championship in Mexico City, Mexico this past summer.
In January, the Board of Selectors will narrow its preseason list to the top 30 players in the nation. Those players, and others who distinguish themselves throughout the season, will be eligible for the final ballot in March.
In addition to Ajavon and Carson, fellow BIG EAST players Angela Clark (St. John's), Jazz Covington (Louisville), Jessica Dickson (South Florida), Renee Montgomery (Connecticut) and Allie Quigley (DePaul) were named to the list.
.Rutgers entertains Ole Miss on Tuesday, December 12 at the Louis Brown Athletic Center. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. The Rebels also feature a Naismith preseason candidate, guard Armintie Price.
