Jordan on Naismith watch list

The Atlanta Tipoff Club released its list of 50 candidates on the Naismith 2009-10 preseason watch list, and University of Tulsa senior center Jerome Jordan was included. Recently named the Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year, Jordan is the only player from the conference on this year's list of preseason candidates.

"The level of talent is exceptional across all teams, conferences and classes, which further underscores just how many candidates have a legitimate chance to win this award," said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Tipoff Club president. "We are looking forward to the start of the season and to see who will end the year as the winner of the Naismith Trophy, the most prestigious award in college basketball."

The preseason list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, which based its decision on a number of criteria, including performances from the previous year and expectations for the 2009-10 college basketball season. The Naismith Trophy will be awarded during the 2010 NCAA Men's Final Four.

In late February, the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors will select a mid-season list of 30 players. In March, they will vote to narrow the list to the four finalists.

Jordan averaged 13.8 points and a team-leading 8.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks last year. He earned first-team all-conference honors and all-defensive team accolades. For his career, Jordan has averages of 9.9 points (968), 6.8 rebounds (666) and 2.6 blocks (251).