McCray Named To Naismith Trophy Watch List

Nov. 20, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas senior All-American Danielle McCray was one of 50 players named to the Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List announced on Wednesday, Nov. 18, by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

McCray, a 5-11 guard/forward from Olathe, Kan., is a 2009 All-Big 12 First Team member and was named 2009 Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year. McCray was also named to the preseason All-Big 12 squad, while also being listed as a candidate for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, honoring the achievements of student-athletes for their contributions on the court, in the classroom and in the community.

McCray has helped lead the Jayhawks to a 2-0 start by averaging 23.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, while connecting on 8-of-12 shots from beyond the arc. McCray was recently named one of the top five small forwards in the nation by ESPN.com. She also was named a preseason Second Team All-American by the site.

McCray is one of six players from the Big 12 Conference to earn a spot on the Preseason Naismith Trophy Watch List, joining Baylor freshman Brittney Griner, Nebraska senior Kelsey Griffin, Oklahoma State senior Andrea Riley, Oklahoma junior Danielle Robinson and Kansas State senior Ashley Sweat.

The Naismith Trophy Watch List is compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, which base its criteria on player performances from the previous year and expectations for the 2009-10 season. The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T will be awarded at the 2010 NCAA Women’s Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.

Fans can participate in selecting the winner through text messaging, which accounts for 25 percent of the final results.

In late February, the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors will compile a mid-season team of the top 30 players in the nation. In March, the Naismith Trophy voting academy will narrow the list to four finalists.

Connecticut junior forward Maya Moore won the award in 2009 and will try to become the first player in history to win two Naismith awards in high school and two Naismith awards as a collegian. For more information on the Naismith Trophy, please visit www.naismithawards.com

McCray and the No. 19 Jayhawks will be back in action on Sunday, Nov. 22, when they play host to Michigan. Tip-off at Allen Fieldhouse is set for 2 p.m.

2009-10 Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List