DePaul University Athletics
Naughton Named to Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List
11/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO - DePaul senior guard Deirdre Naughton was named to the Naismith Trophy preseason watch list it was announced today by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. Naughton joins 50 other outstanding women's basketball student-athletes on the preseason list.
The watch list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, which based its criteria on player performances from the previous year and expectations for the 2009-10 college basketball season. The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T will be awarded at the 2010 NCAA Women's Final Four in San Antonio, Tx.
"The competition this year seems to be at an all-time high, and there are numerous candidates who have the opportunity to showcase their abilities throughout the season," said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Tipoff Club president. "Once the games start it will become clearer who emerges as the leading candidate to claim the Naismith Trophy, the most prestigious award in college basketball."
Naughton, who helped No. 17 DePaul open the 2009-10 season with wins over Central Michigan and North Dakota State, has already been tabbed to some of the most exclusive preseason lists in the country. The senior from Winnetka, Illinois was named to the preseason John R. Wooden list and Wade Watch list.
With two games under her belt this season, Naughton has recorded 1,438 career points and has tallied double-digit points in 79 of her 93 (.849) career games. The senior averages 3.6 assists while she grabs 5.1 rebounds per contest.
Naughton is one of eight BIG EAST Conference players to be named to the preseason list. Connecticut's Maya Moore, who is also on the preseason list, earned the Naismith Trophy in 2009.
In late February, the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors will compile a mid-season team of the Top 30 players in the nation. Then in March, the Naismith Trophy voting academy will vote to narrow the list to the four finalists.
The Blue Demons host the Maggie Dixon Classic this weekend. DePaul and Cornell tangle at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at McGrath Arena.
