Big Ten Lands Two Players On 2017 Jerry West Award Finalist List

Although the college basketball season is still cruising through conference play, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced its finalists for the 2017 Jerry West Award. This award is given to the nation’s best shooting guard.

The Big Ten found itself well represented on the list with two players making the group of 10 players under consideration. Obviously, that some of the talent that Big Ten fans have enjoyed this season.

Here’s a full look at the list below.

2017 Jerry West Award Finalists List:

• Jacob Evans (Cincinnati)
• Marcus Foster (Creighton)
• Luke Kennard (Duke)
• Jordan Mathews (Gonzaga)
• James Blackmon Jr. (Indiana)
• Peter Jok (Iowa)
• Devonte' Graham (Kansas)
• Malik Monk (Kentucky)
• Steve Vasturia (Notre Dame)
• Bryce Alford (UCLA)

Obviously, there’s no debating that this list includes some of the nation’s best players, including Duke’s Luke Kennard, who many figure will be the favorite for this honor. Additionally, many of these players come from some of the nation’s best teams, including Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, and UCLA.

Both Blackmon and Jok have put up big numbers this season and have performed as some of the conference’s best. Blackmon is averaging 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Jok is averaging 21 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

Although few are expecting Blackmon or Jok to win the award (this is even more unlikely given that both are injured), earning this honor is notable. Both have done some impressive things are their respective schools and to make it on a list like that showcases those efforts.