LSU Trio Named to Naismith Trophy Watch List
Three standout players earn spots on the 2026-27 preseason watch list for college basketballs top honor.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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Mikaylah Williams, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Jada Williams have been selected for the Naismith Trophy women's player of the year watch list. This annual selection honors 50 college basketball players who have demonstrated exceptional performance on the court.
Why it matters
The Naismith Trophy is a prestigious individual award in college basketball, and placement on the preseason watch list highlights the top talent expected to impact the upcoming season. Inclusion puts these athletes in contention to become the eventual player of the year.
Jada Williams recorded 246 total assists across 32 games last season, while MiLaysia Fulwiley averaged 14.6 points and 2.8 steals per contest. These figures contribute to their recognition among the 50 players on this year's watch list.
The players
Mikaylah Williams
An athlete from Bossier City who was named to the Naismith Trophy women's player of the year watch list.
MiLaysia Fulwiley
A college basketball player recognized for her performance last season who now plays for LSU.
Jada Williams
A standout player formerly of Iowa State who now joins her teammates on the Naismith Trophy watch list.
Seimone Augustus
A celebrated former basketball player who won the Naismith Trophy in both 2005 and 2006.
The details
The Naismith board annually identifies 50 players for its watch list, with a national voting academy tasked with narrowing the field to four finalists based on season performance. While Jada Williams previously competed at Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, all three athletes are now set to represent LSU.
Timeline
1969: The first Naismith trophy was awarded to Lew Alcindor.
1983: The first women's Naismith Trophy was awarded to Anne Donovan.
2005: Seimone Augustus won the Naismith Trophy.
October 29, 2026: The LSU trio was officially named to the watch list.
Season Trajectory
The announcement serves as a precursor to the final award selection, mirroring the selection process established by the 1983 women's Naismith Trophy award. These early-season recognitions shape the narrative for the upcoming year and influence the eventual postseason honors.
With three players from the same program making the list, expectations for team performance and individual production are heightened. Fans tracking fantasy metrics or individual achievements should monitor these players as the primary candidates for the end-of-season award.
The takeaway
The inclusion of three players on the Naismith watch list signals a significant concentration of talent within one program. Prospective fans and analysts should watch how these athletes manage their individual scoring and assist totals throughout the regular season.
What happens next
The Naismith organization will release a mid-season list of 30 candidates, followed by the awarding of the trophy at the end of the season.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in collegiate play, visit the Basketball section.
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