Joel Berry Named to Naismith, Oscar Robertson National Player of the Year Award Watch Lists

Preseason honors continue to roll in for UNC senior point guard Joel Berry ahead of the Tar Heels’ season opener on Friday against Northern Iowa.

Berry–who is currently sidelined with a broken hand–was named Thursday to the Naismith Trophy Watch List after being named to the Oscar Robertson Trophy Watch List on Monday.

Both awards are given annually to the National Player of the Year in men’s basketball.

The native of Apopka, Florida averaged 14.3 points and 3.6 assists per game for UNC last season, and was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player during the Tar Heels’ run to the NCAA title.

With the departure of three starters–Justin Jackson, Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks–and a key reserve in guard Nate Britt, Berry’s role is expected to grow even more this season once he returns from injury.

He was also recently named a Preseason Third-Team All-American by Sporting News and a Preseason First Team All-ACC selection by the league’s media contingent.

For the full Naismith Trophy Watch List, click here.

For the full Oscar Robertson Trophy Watch List, click here.

Photo via Todd Melet

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