The Robertson Trophy Is Presented By The USBWA To The Men’s National Player Of The Year
1/19/2023
FULL USBWA OSCAR ROBERTSON WATCH LIST
INDIANAPOLIS – University of Dayton forward DaRon Holmes II has been named to the mid-season watch list for the 2023 Oscar Robertson Trophy. The U.S. Basketball Writers Association presents the award to the men’s national player of the year. Holmes is one of 50 student-athletes on the list.
He is third in the Atlantic 10 Conference in scoring (18.6) and rebounding (8.0), second in blocked shots (2.0) and fourth in FG% (.604, 131-217). The sophomore from Goodyear, Ariz. is the only A-10 player in the top five of all four categories, and the top three in both scoring and rebounding.
Holmes also leads the nation in dunks with 50. Aziz Bandaogo of Utah Valley is second (48), followed by Purdue’s Zach Edey (47), Washington’s Braxton Meah (also 47) and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner (42). Edey and Kalkbrenner are also on the Oscar Robertson Watch List.
In the last 14 games, Holmes is averaging 21.4 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.6 fouls drawn. That includes 20.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists in six A-10 games. He is also shooting .687 (46-67) FG and .750 (30-40) FT in conference play.
Last year as a true freshman, Holmes was named A-10 Rookie of the Year, Second Team All-A10 and to the A-10 All-Defensive Team. He was the only freshman named first, second or third team in 2021-22, and was the only one All-Defensive in 2021-22.
Since its founding in 1956, the USBWA has named a national player of the year. In the 1997-98 season, the award was named in honor of the legendary Oscar Robertson, “The Big O.” In addition, the USBWA selects an All-America team and All-District teams, players and coaches of the year.
Dayton’s Obi Toppin earned the 2019-20 Oscar Robertson Trophy.
While all Division I players are eligible for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, the USBWA board has chosen the players on the watch list to promote the award and give the membership, which votes on all USBWA awards, a mid-season look at some of the best players in the country.
The USBWA formally expanded its All-America team to 15 players in 2019 and many of the players on this watch list will contend for All-America honors. In addition, the USBWA continues to name an Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week each Tuesday.
The Flyers 13-6 overall and tied for first in the Atlantic 10 at 5-1, are back in action on Saturday at George Washington. Game time is 12:30 p.m. ET.
COURTESY DAYTON MEDIA RELATIONS
