UConn’s Solo Ball is starting to heat up-and now, he’s officially on the national radar.
The junior guard was named to the midseason watch list for the Jerry West Award, which honors the top shooting guard in college basketball each year. Ball is one of just 10 players across the country to make the cut and the only representative from the Big East, a nod to both his individual talent and his growing impact on one of the nation’s top teams.
Let’s break down why Ball’s getting this recognition-and why it’s well deserved.
A Scoring Leader Finding His Rhythm
At 6-foot-4, Ball leads UConn in scoring with 14.6 points per game, but his value goes beyond the stat sheet. Early in the season, he hit a rough patch from deep, but instead of forcing the issue, he adjusted. That’s what good players do-they find other ways to contribute.
He’s been efficient inside the arc, shooting 51.7%, and he’s slowly working his way back to form from three-point range. After hitting 41.4% from deep last year, he’s at 29% this season-but the arrow is pointing up. Through 21 games, he’s averaging 1.9 made threes on 6.6 attempts, and the recent numbers suggest he’s rediscovering that stroke.
Big Moments in Big Games
Ball’s had a pair of 20-point games this season, including a career-high 26-point outing against Butler-a game where he also suffered a wrist injury. But perhaps his most telling performance came on January 24 against Villanova, when he knocked down five threes and poured in 24 points to help the Huskies pull out an overtime win. That’s the kind of performance that turns heads-clutch shooting, resilience, and a willingness to step up when the team needs it most.
UConn’s Backcourt Legacy
UConn has a strong tradition when it comes to elite guard play. Names like Kemba Walker, Shabazz Napier, and Tristen Newton have all taken home the Bob Cousy Award for top point guard in college hoops. Now, Ball is making his case to join that elite company-this time as a shooting guard in the Jerry West mold.
His inclusion on the watch list puts him in elite company, alongside standout guards like Brayden Burries (Arizona), Isaiah Evans (Duke), and Emanuel Sharp (Houston). It’s a competitive field, but Ball’s versatility, scoring touch, and ability to impact games on both ends make him a legitimate contender.
What’s Next?
With UConn in the thick of conference play and eyeing another deep postseason run, Ball’s continued growth could be a difference-maker. If he keeps trending upward-especially from beyond the arc-he won’t just stay on the watch list; he’ll be in the conversation when the final award is handed out.
For now, Solo Ball is doing what great players do: adjusting, evolving, and finding ways to lead. And with his name now in the national spotlight, the rest of the country is starting to take notice.