Gonzaga's Graham Ike is making waves, and it's not just for his consistent scoring. Fresh off his eighth consecutive 20-point game, Ike has earned a spot on the prestigious Naismith Award Late-Season Team. This recognition comes after he dropped 22 points, snagged five rebounds, dished out three assists, and blocked two shots in Gonzaga's commanding 80-59 win over San Francisco at the Chase Center.
Ike's scoring streak ties him with Gonzaga legends Adam Morrison and Derek Raivio for the most consecutive 20-point games by a Bulldog in the past two decades. This Aurora, Colorado native is turning heads with his season averages of 19.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. In conference play, he's leading the West Coast Conference with 22.8 points per game and shares the top spot in rebounding with 8.8 boards per game.
His efficiency is undeniable, leading the WCC in field goal percentage at .580 and topping the league with 13 double-doubles. As the nation’s active leader in career scoring, Ike's standout performances have earned him five WCC Player of the Week honors. Just last week, he was also named to the Wooden Award Top 20 watch list, cementing his status as one of college basketball's elite.
Joining Ike on the Naismith list are other top talents like Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Tennessee’s Nate Ament, and Kansas’ Flory Bidunga, among others. Each of these players is making a significant impact on their teams and the college basketball landscape this season.