The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the finalists for the 2025 Julius Erving Award, which honors the top small forward in college basketball. Leading the list of finalists are Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, who have both had outstanding seasons and are considered among the top players in the country.
Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-7 sophomore from Maine, has been a dominant force for the Duke Blue Devils this season. He has averaged 18.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 52.1% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range. Flagg’s impressive all-around skills and athleticism have made him a nightmare for opposing teams to match up against.
“Ace Bailey and Cooper Flagg are both incredibly talented players who have had outstanding seasons,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “They are both deserving of this recognition, and we look forward to seeing who will ultimately win the Julius Erving Award.”
Ace Bailey, a 6-foot-6 junior from Philadelphia, has been a key player for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights this season. He has averaged 19.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting 48.5% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range. Bailey’s versatility and scoring ability have made him a go-to player for Rutgers, and he has been instrumental in the team’s success this season.
The Julius Erving Award is presented annually to the top small forward in college basketball. The award is named after Hall of Famer Julius Erving, who played college basketball at the University of Massachusetts and went on to have a legendary career in the ABA and NBA.
In addition to Flagg and Bailey, the other finalists for the Julius Erving Award include:
– Keyonte George, Baylor
– Gradey Dick, Kansas
– Brandon Miller, Alabama
– Kris Murray, Iowa
– Taylor Hendricks, UCF
The winner of the Julius Erving Award will be announced on April 12, and will be presented with the award at the College Basketball Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding players as finalists for the Julius Erving Award,” said Doleva. “Each of these players has had an incredible season, and we look forward to seeing who will ultimately win the award.”
In conclusion, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the finalists for the 2025 Julius Erving Award, which honors the top small forward in college basketball. Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Ace Bailey lead the list of finalists, and are considered among the top players in the country. The winner of the award will be announced on April 12, and will be presented with the award at the College Basketball Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.