Avery Koenen Named to Becky Hammon Watch List

The NDSU star is the only player from the Summit League to earn a spot on the preseason award watch list.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball

Avery Koenen Named to Becky Hammon Watch List

North Dakota State University basketball star Avery Koenen has been named to the 2027 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year watch list. She previously earned recognition as a finalist for the award during the 2025-26 season.

Why it matters

The nomination highlights Koenen status as a top competitor in the mid-major landscape following her standout performance last season. Her inclusion marks the second consecutive year she has been selected for this prestigious preseason honor.

Koenen averaged 19.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game last season while shooting over 63.0 percent from the field. She enters the new campaign having already secured the Summit League Preseason Player of the Year award.

The players

Avery Koenen

A standout athlete for North Dakota State University who is the first Division I player from the school to receive Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention.

North Dakota State University

The institution where Koenen plays collegiate basketball within the Summit League.

The details

Koenen was previously named the Summit League Defensive Player of the Year and Player of the Year, becoming the first NDSU Division I athlete to earn Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention. Her selection as the only Summit League nominee on the watch list underscores her singular role within the conference.

Koenen was a finalist for the award during the 2025-26 season.
NDSU opens the season at Gonzaga on November 2, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Koenen repeat appearance on the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year watch list signals her continued dominance in college basketball. This recognition sets a high standard for NDSU as they head into their season opener against a major program like Gonzaga.

With Koenen anchoring the lineup, NDSU enters the season with high expectations for their performance against tough opponents like Gonzaga. Her ability to maintain a 63.0 percent field goal percentage will be critical for the team throughout the upcoming schedule.

The takeaway

Koenen continued growth as a dual-threat player makes her one of the most watchable athletes in the Summit League this year. Fans should monitor her performance in the season opener to see if she can sustain the high-efficiency shooting she established last season.