Three Huskies Named To Naismith Preseason Watch List

Here’s the release from UConn Athletic Communications Department announcing that Andre Drummond, Jeremy Lamb and Alex Oriakhi have been named to the 2011-12 Naismith Preseason Watch List.

STORRS, Conn. – UConn sophomore Jeremy Lamb (Norcross, Ga.) headlines a trio of UConn players named to the Naismith preseason watch list, as announced today by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. Lamb is joined by junior Alex Oriakhi (Lowell, Mass.) and freshman center Andre Drummond (Middletown, Conn.).

The Naismith award is presented annually to the national player of the year. Former UConn star Kemba Walker was a finalist in 2011 with Jimmer Fredette of BYU taking home the honor.

Kentucky and North Carolina led the way with four student-athletes each on the list.

Lamb was most recently named an Associate Press Preseason All-American after being named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team and the Wooden Preseason Top-50. Oriakhi joined Lamb on the Wooden Preseason Top-50 and also received votes in the Preseason All-America voting. He was a Preseason All-BIG EAST Second Team selection.

Drummond, the BIG EAST Preseason Rookie of the Year, was also a BIG EAST Honorable Mention selection. The freshman center was most recently named to the Wayman Tisdale Award preseason watch list which honors the nation’s top freshman at the end of the season.

UConn opens the regular season against Columbia on ESPNU at 7 p.m. in Gampel Pavilion on Friday, November 11. The Huskies will unveil the 2011 NCAA Championship banner in front of the home fans prior to the game.

To see the full 2011-12 Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.