SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – University of Washington freshman Jaden McDaniels has been selected as one of 20 student-athletes to be named to the 2020 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year watch list, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday. McDaniels is one of five Pac-12 athletes on the initial watch list and one of six freshmen selected.



The newcomer comes to Montlake from Federal Way, Washington, as a five-star standout for the class of 2019. He was ranked consistently in the top 10 nationally in all services for the 2019 class and signed with the Huskies in May. The 6-9 small forward was a 2019 McDonald's All-American and chosen for the Jordan Brand Classic. He was an active member of USA Basketball and helped Federal Way to a third-place finish at the Washington 4A State Championship after being named the MVP of the 4A North Puget Sound League.



McDaniels is the second Husky to be named to the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year watch list as the 20th pick of the 2019 NBA Draft Matisse Thybulle was put it on it for the season a year ago. Players can play on or off the list during the season with the names being narrowed to 10 by mid-February. In March, five finalists will be presented to Mr. Erving and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The winner will be announced at The College Basketball Awards presented by Wendy's in Los Angeles, Calif., on Friday, April 10, 2020.



New to the award this season is Fan Voting provided by Dell Technologies in each of the three rounds. Fans can start voting for their favorite pick on Oct. 18, 2019 via hoophallawards.com.



Washington opens the 2019-20 campaign against Western Washington in an exhibition at home on Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. UW then heads to Alaska for the Armed Forces Classic to officially start the year against Baylor on Nov. 8.



2020 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award Candidates*

Josh Green Arizona FR

Matthew Hurt Duke FR

Scottie Lewis Florida FR

Corey Kispert Gonzaga JR

Seth Towns Harvard SR

Xavier Sneed Kansas State SR

Kahlil Whitney Kentucky FR

Jordan Nwora Louisville JR

Precious Achiuwa Memphis FR

Tres Tinkle Oregon State SR

Alpha Diallo Providence SR

Nojel Eastern Purdue JR

LJ Figueroa St. John's JR

Elijah Hughes Syracuse JR

Chris Clarke Texas Tech SR

Anthony Lamb Vermont SR

Saddiq Bey Villanova SO

Jaden McDaniels Washington FR

CJ Elleby Washington St. SO

Naji Marshall Xavier JR