Jerry West Award Watch List (2025-26)

The following post features this year’s selections to the Jerry West Award Watch List (2025-26).

Honoring the best at the position, the Jerry West Award Watch List names the top shooting guards heading into the 2025–26 men’s college basketball season.

Read: Bob Cousy Award Watch List (Best PGs)

Related: Julius Erving Award Watch List (Best SFs)

Some college basketball teams have an NBA-level SG capable of singlehandedly taking over a game. These are the SGs you need to know about when betting on college basketball.

So, who are the best SGs in 2025-26? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Chaz Lanier’s 2024-25 season was a historic campaign defined by record-breaking shooting for the Volunteers. The Tennessee fifth-year guard won the Jerry West Award as the nation’s top shooting guard after averaging 18.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in his lone season with the Volunteers. He was selected over four other finalists, including Caleb Love (Arizona), V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor), P.J. Haggerty (Memphis), and Tre Johnson (Texas). Lanier set a new Tennessee single-season record with 123 made three-pointers, shooting an efficient 39.5% from beyond the arc. His prolific shooting propelled the Volunteers to a 30-win season and an Elite Eight appearance, making him only the second SEC player to ever claim the award.

How the Award Works

Throughout the season, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame selection committee assesses the performance of the centers on the preseason watchlist. At mid-season, the committee narrows the candidates down to a smaller group of semifinalists before selecting the five finalists. The winner is chosen by a selection committee consisting of a mixture of media members and former Jerry West Award winners.

Jerry West Award Watch List (2025-26)

Below is a table displaying the players on the Jerry West Award Watch List (2025-26). Click here for the official Jerry West Award Watch List.

Player Spotlights

Isaiah Evans (Duke Blue Devils)

Evans is a high-upside sophomore who is expected to have a major breakout after playing a limited role last season. His case for the Jerry West Award is built on elite, efficient perimeter shooting; as a freshman, he averaged 6.8 points in only 13.7 minutes while shooting an excellent 41.6% from three. With Duke losing nearly all of its starters, Evans is poised to step into a high-usage role as a key offensive weapon. If the 6’6″ wing can handle the increased workload, maintain his shooting proficiency, and average over 15 points per game, he will fulfill the “star leap” narrative favored by voters.

Xaivian Lee (Florida Gators)

Lee is positioned for success in his senior season after transferring from Princeton, where he developed into a prolific off-the-dribble shot-maker. His case is built on his efficiency and ability to initiate offense, averaging 12.7 career points and 3.3 assists. Now at Florida, he joins a top-ranked roster that can maximize his shooting gravity. If Lee maintains his high-volume scoring and proves he can be the lead guard for a perennial SEC contender, his combination of experience, skill, and high-major team success makes him a compelling candidate for the award.

Richie Saunders (BYU Cougars)

Saunders is the established star returning to lead the Cougars’ offense in the Big 12. His case is founded on his elite scoring efficiency and status as the go-to guy; last season, he was named First Team All-Big 12 and averaged a team-high 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, while shooting incredibly high splits (.518 FG% / .432 3P% / .835 FT%). The betting angle is that Saunders is the true engine of the BYU offense. If he can maintain this exceptional efficiency and production in a crowded backcourt, his well-rounded statistical profile will appeal strongly to voters.

Emanuel Sharp (Houston Cougars)

Sharp is a high-floor candidate who anchored Houston’s deep tournament run last season. His case is built on pure perimeter scoring and an unrelenting motor, a must-have for Kelvin Sampson’s defense-first system. Sharp was named Big 12 Tournament MVP last season, averaging 12.6 points and shooting 37.8% from three. Now entering his senior year, he is expected to see a usage bump as one of the most consistent offensive threats. If Sharp can improve his inside scoring while remaining a high-volume shooter for a top-ranked Houston team, his clutch tournament history and established defense give him a solid pathway to the award.

Ryan Conwell (Louisville Cardinals)

Conwell is the new cornerstone of the Louisville program, bringing proven elite shooting volume and accuracy to the ACC. His case is built on transferring his high-major production to his new team; he averaged 16.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists at Xavier last season while shooting over 41% from deep on high volume. Conwell is expected to take over as Louisville’s primary perimeter scorer. If he can lead the Cardinals to a major turnaround while maintaining his status as one of the nation’s most efficient deep shooters, his immediate impact and scoring prowess will make him a viable finalist.

Jerry West Award Winners (2015 – Present)

The table below highlights every Jerry West Award winner since 2015.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing the top shooting guards is helpful when betting on college basketball. Keeping tabs on these SGs (and their teams) will help you make smarter NCAAB bets.