Wooden Award latest preseason player of the year watchlist for Crutcher

Just hours before the Flyers tip-off the 2020-21 season, senior guard Jalen Crutcher has been named to yet another preseason player of the year watchlist, this time the vaunted Wooden Award. Photo courtesy of Griffin Quinn, Flyers News.

Peter Burtnett
Sports Editor

University of Dayton senior guard Jalen Crutcher has been named to the John R. Wooden Award preseason watchlist Tuesday.

Considered to be the most prestigious award in college basketball, the Wooden Award recognizes the Most Outstanding Player. Crutcher’s former teammate, Obi Toppin won the award last year.

Crutcher adds to his preseason honors, which include Second Team All-American (according to Stadium), and watchlist nominations to the Naismith Trophy, NABC Player of the Year, and the Bob Cousy Award (nation’s best point guard).

After exploring the NBA Draft waters, the Memphis native returns for one final season at UD. In the Flyers’ incredible 29-2 season last year, Crtucher led Dayton in minutes (33.7), assists (4.9), three-pointers made and field goal percentage (147-314; 46.8 percent), and free throw percentage (86.9 percent).

Crutcher finished second behind Toppin in points per game (15.1) for the Flyers, and currently ranks 36th in career scoring (1,170 points) and ninth in assists (470) all-time at UD.

Crutcher has also won the Flyer White Allen MVP award twice, sharing the honor with Toppin last year.

Now, Crutcher leads the Flyers into an uncertain season, which begins tonight against Eastern Illinois at 7 p.m. at UD Arena.

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