Jalen Crutcher named to NABC Player of the Year watchlist

Crutcher is the returning leader in scoring and assists for the Flyers, and will be vital to the Flyers’ success in 2020-21. Photo courtesy of Flyer News.

Peter Burtnett
Sports Editor

University of Dayton men’s basketball guard Jalen Crutcher was named to the NABC Division I Player of the Year watchlist Monday, joining a list of 20 of the nation’s best players.

Crutcher’s teammate and now New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (No. 8 overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft) won the award last season, given out by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, which UD head coach Anthony Grant joined this year. Crutcher is the only A10 player to join the list.

Leading from the point for the Flyers in 2019-20, Crutcher averaged 33.7 minutes, 15.1 points, and 4.9 assists while shooting 46.8 percent from three-point range and 86.9 percent from the free throw line in the Flyers’ incredible 29-2 season.

The Memphis native has also been named to the watchlists for the Bob Cousy Award (given to the nation’s best point guard) and the Naismith Award, given to the nation’s best player.

Crutcher was also named to ESPN Insider John Gasaway’s top 25 players in men’s college basketball for the 2020-21 season, coming in at No. 12.

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