James Earns Spot on Julius Erving Award Watch List

Tennessee basketball senior Josiah-Jordan James has been named to the 20-man Jerry West Award Watch List, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.

The Julius Erving Award is given annually to the top small forward in college basketball. James is one of four SEC players included on the initial watch list.

James is the Vols' second leading returning scorer after averaging 10.3 points per game during the 2021-22 season.

The 2022 SEC All-Tournament team selection and preseason second-team All-SEC member, was especially efficient during the second half of last season—averaging 6.8 points per game during his first 16 games compared to 13.7 during his final 16 games. James also led the Vols in rebounding last season with 6.0 boards per game.

James was also a solid presence for Tennessee all year on the defensive end, effectively guarding positions one through four. He recorded 46 total steals on the season and a team-high 34 blocks.

In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2023 Jerry West Award will be narrowed to 10 and then in late February to just five. In March, a winner will be selected.

Tennessee is set to open its season on Nov. 7 against Tennessee Tech in Thompson-Boling Arena, but is first set to face No. 2 Gonzaga in an exhibition contest Friday in Frisco, Texas. Fans can stream the game live online at PPV.COM or can order the Legends of Basketball Classic on TV through their cable, satellite or telco providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Dish, Verizon Fios, Altice and other leading providers. The suggested retail price will be $9.99 on all PPV platforms.

University of Tennessee Athletics

Players Mentioned

Josiah-Jordan James

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