University of North Carolina Athletics
Alyssa Ustby (left) and Deja Kelly have followed stand-out sophomore seasons with spots on the Nasimith Trophy Watch List.
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Kelly, Ustby Named To Nasimith Award Watch List
November 4, 2022 | Women's Basketball
ATLANTA (November 4, 2022) – Two Tar Heels have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2023 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy, which goes to the national player of the year. Juniors Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby are among the 50 players selected.
The midseason 30 team will be announced in early January then the list will be narrowed down to 10 national semifinalists in early March. Four finalists will be named on March 21 and the winner of the 2023 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy for Women's Player of the Year will be announced later that month.
"We have selected an elite group of athletes for the 2023 Jersey Mike's Women's Naismith Trophy watch list this year, and we look forward to keeping an eye on these stellar players and adding additional excellent players as the season progresses," said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club.
Kelly and Ustby are among nine Atlantic Coast Conference players on the list. The Big Ten has 10 candidates, with the ACC, Pac-12 and SEC all tied with nine.
UNC is one of 15 schools with multiple players on the list.
"The athletes on the watch list are the best of the best in their sport, and likely will provide a season full of exciting moments on the court," said Jeff Hemschoot, vice president of marketing, Jersey Mike's. "We are excited to watch these women compete as we get ready for another terrific season of women's college basketball."
The midseason 30 team will be announced in early January then the list will be narrowed down to 10 national semifinalists in early March. Four finalists will be named on March 21 and the winner of the 2023 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy for Women's Player of the Year will be announced later that month.
"We have selected an elite group of athletes for the 2023 Jersey Mike's Women's Naismith Trophy watch list this year, and we look forward to keeping an eye on these stellar players and adding additional excellent players as the season progresses," said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club.
Kelly and Ustby are among nine Atlantic Coast Conference players on the list. The Big Ten has 10 candidates, with the ACC, Pac-12 and SEC all tied with nine.
UNC is one of 15 schools with multiple players on the list.
"The athletes on the watch list are the best of the best in their sport, and likely will provide a season full of exciting moments on the court," said Jeff Hemschoot, vice president of marketing, Jersey Mike's. "We are excited to watch these women compete as we get ready for another terrific season of women's college basketball."
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