Several UNC women’s basketball players have been nominated for major national awards. Here’s a complete rundown of who’s been nominated for what!
F Alyssa Ustby – Cheryl Miller Award, Ann Meyers Drysdale Award
Image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jerome M. Ibrahim
One of the most versatile players in the ACC, Ustby has been named a finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award, given to the nation’s top small forward. She has also been named to the watch list for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award. Ustby has had a standout senior season, recording the first triple-double in UNC women’s basketball history and leading the Tar Heels in rebounds, assists and steals.
G Deja Kelly – Nancy Lieberman Award, Ann Meyers Drysdale Award
Image via UNC Women’s Basketball on Twitter
This is the second consecutive season Kelly – a senior from San Antonio – has been named to the watch list for the Lieberman Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top point guard. Kelly was also named to the watch list for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given to the National Player of the Year. Kelly has been named first team All-ACC in each of the last two seasons and is a two-time WBCA honorable mention All-American. She currently leads the team in scoring with 17 points per game.
F Maria Gakdeng – Lisa Leslie Award
Image via Boston College Athletics/Joe Sullivan
A transfer from Boston College, Gakdeng is bringing high expectations to Chapel Hill. She has been named to the watch list for the Lisa Leslie Award, given annually to the nation’s top center. In two years with the Eagles, Gakdeng set a program record for blocks by a freshman and was named to the 2022 All-ACC Freshman Team. As a sophomore, she averaged 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
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