Jalen Crutcher named to top point guard watch list

Senior guard Jalen Crutcher joins the best point guards in the nation with his nomination to the Bob Cousy Award watch list. Photo courtesy of Flyer News.

Peter Burtnett
Sports Editor

University of Dayton men’s basketball senior guard Jalen Crutcher was named to the Bob Cousy Award preseason watch list on Monday.

Joining 19 of the nation’s top point guards, Crutcher’s nomination is the latest in an off-season of expectations for the Memphis, Tenn., native.

Returning for his fourth year as a starter, Crutcher and the rest of the Flyers men’s basketball team comes in with a 29-2 season in the rear view and a tough challenge ahead after losing likely top-five NBA Draft pick and national player of the year Obi Toppin, along with senior glue guys Trey Landers and Ryan Mikesell.

Crutcher will be a key piece for the Flyers to attain success in 2020-21. He lead the team last year in minutes played (33.7), assists (4.9), 3-point field goal percentage (.468) and free throw percentage (.869). He also finished second in points per game (15.1) and ranks 36th in career points per game (1,170).

In a year where Flyers head coach Anthony Grant will be relying on experience and familiarity with team culture, Crutcher’s experience and leadership will be important in helping the team’s success (ranks ninth all-time in assists with 470).

With the season-ending knee injury to Dwayne Cohill, Crutcher will likely play even more minutes without a key player off the bench when he needs a breather.

Along with guards Rodney Chatman and Ibi Watson, the Flyers’ strong backcourt is anchored by Crutcher, who is one of the favorites to win A10 Player of the Year and recognized as one of the nation’s best point guards.

For more sports news like Flyer News on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@FlyerNews & @FlyerNewsSports) and Instagram (@flyernews)