University of Minnesota Athletics
Banham Named to Naismith Watch List
12/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Golden Gopher senior Rachel Banham has been named to the Naismith Trophy Women's College Player of the Year Early Season Watch List. The guard has earned this recognition for three straight years.
Banham currently ranks fifth in the nation in scoring with an average of 24.3 points per game. She has scored 20 or more points in all seven of Minnesota's games.
With 2,349 career points, Banham is the NCAA's active leading scorer. She holds the Minnesota scoring record, and ranks sixth in Big Ten history.
The Naismith Award is presented by the Atlantic Tipoff Club to the top player in college basketball. The preseason list includes 50 names. The midseason watch list of 30 will be announced Feb. 10 and be narrowed to semifinalists and finalists before the winner is announced April 4.
Last year, Gophers center Amanda Zahui B. was a finalist for the Naismith Award. Previous Minnesota finalists were Lindsay Whalen in 2003 and 2004 and Janel McCarville in 2005.
Banham will be honored for her scoring record prior to 2 p.m. tipoff this Saturday at Williams Arena. Click here for ticket information for the matchup with Memphis.
