UConn’s Solo Ball Named to Jerry West Award Midseason Watch List: A Rising Star in the BIG EAST
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - UConn junior guard Solo Ball is turning heads this season - and now, he's earning national recognition for it. The 6’4” scorer has been named to the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award Midseason Watch List, placing him among the top 10 shooting guards in the country and making him the only representative from the BIG EAST on the list.
For those who’ve been watching the Huskies closely, this nod doesn’t come as a surprise. Ball has been a steady offensive force for UConn all season, leading the team with 14.6 points per game. He’s played in all 21 games so far and started every one, averaging just under 30 minutes a night - a clear sign of how integral he is to the Huskies’ system.
What makes Ball’s scoring pop even more is his efficiency and versatility. While he built his reputation last season as one of the nation’s most accurate three-point shooters - hitting at a 41.4% clip - he’s evolved his game this year.
After a bit of a slow start from deep, Ball has leaned into his ability to score at all three levels. He’s now shooting a blistering 57.1% inside the arc on over 100 attempts and converting 84.6% of his free throws, showing he’s more than just a catch-and-shoot threat.
He’s also maintained his range, knocking down nearly two triples per game and hitting multiple threes in 12 of his 21 outings. That blend of perimeter shooting and inside efficiency has helped him reach double figures in 16 games this season, including two standout performances: a career-high 26 points in a win over Butler on Dec. 16 and a 24-point outburst - including five made threes - against Villanova on Jan. 24.
But Ball’s contributions go beyond scoring. He’s pulling down 3.7 rebounds per game and has grabbed five or more boards in eight contests. His season-high came in a Jan. 4 win over Marquette, where he snagged eight rebounds and chipped in 17 points - a performance that showcased his all-around impact.
This midseason recognition places Ball in elite company and adds to UConn’s storied tradition of guard play. The Huskies have had three previous winners of a Naismith 'Starting Five' award, all at the point guard spot: Kemba Walker (2011), Shabazz Napier (2014), and Tristen Newton (2024). Ball now has a chance to carve out his own legacy - this time, from the shooting guard slot.
With UConn continuing to push toward March, Ball’s development and consistency could be a key factor in how far the Huskies go. And if he keeps playing at this level, he might just add his name to that list of Huskies greats who’ve brought home national hardware.