College basketball awards are typically named for an impressive player long ago. So it shouldn’t be surprising that one of the most prestigious awards in the sport is named for former Holy Cross guard Bob Cousy.
What is the Bob Cousy Award and who could win it this season?
What is the Bob Cousy Jr. Award?
The Bob Cousy Award, established in honor of the Hall of Fame point guard Bob Cousy, has been recognizing the top point guard in Division I men’s college basketball for 22 years. The prestigious award celebrates one of the game’s legends, Cousy, who played for the Boston Celtics and Holy Cross.
This year, the list of contenders for the 2025 Bob Cousy Award includes some of the best in the game, with West Virginia’s Javon Small and Marquette’s Kam Jones being among the top 10 candidates announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Monday. Notably, the winner of the 2024 award will follow in the footsteps of last year’s recipient, Tristen Newton of Connecticut, who led the Huskies to their second consecutive national title.
Small, a senior guard from West Virginia, is making waves this season. He leads the Big 12 Conference in scoring with an impressive 19.0 points per game and ranks fourth in assists, averaging 5.1 per contest. Small has been instrumental to the Mountaineers’ success, leading the team in scoring for 13 out of 21 games this season. His exceptional all-around play has earned him a spot among the elite candidates for the award.
Other prominent players vying for the title of top point guard include Alabama’s Mark Sears, who has been a critical contributor for the Crimson Tide, and Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., known for his scoring and playmaking abilities.
The list also features Ryan Nembhard from Gonzaga, Keshon Gilbert of Iowa State, and Tennessee’s Zakai Ziegler, all of whom have had standout seasons. The inclusion of players from a range of programs highlights the diverse talent pool competing for this prestigious honor.
More: Top 10 College Basketball Rivalries
The 2025 Bob Cousy Award marks another year of recognition for the nation’s top point guard, continuing the legacy of celebrating elite talent at the position. The award’s finalists will be evaluated based on their overall contribution to their teams, leadership qualities, and performance on the court.
One of the most discussed points this year is the omission of Chucky Hepburn from the list of 10 finalists. Hepburn, the standout point guard for Wisconsin, has had an impressive season, leading the Big Ten in assists and steals per game.
His strong scoring average and solid shooting percentage made his exclusion from the semifinalist list a questionable decision. Hepburn ranks 12th in the nation for assists and 14th for steals, making his absence from the finalists’ list a notable talking point for college basketball fans and analysts alike.
Looking Ahead to the Award
While the 10 selected point guards are undoubtedly deserving, Hepburn’s exclusion has raised questions about the selection process. Given his contributions to Wisconsin’s success, his absence is likely to spark further debate in the coming weeks.
As the season progresses, the race for the Bob Cousy Award will intensify. The next few weeks will be crucial for these top point guards as they continue to lead their teams in the hunt for conference championships and NCAA tournament berths. With players like Small, Sears, Clayton, and others proving themselves as the best at their positions, the battle for the coveted award is expected to be fierce.
While the finalists have been determined, the road to the 2025 Bob Cousy Award is far from over. With so many talented point guards in college basketball this year, the competition for the award is wide open. The winner will undoubtedly have earned their place as one of the best to ever play the position in the NCAA.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program across football, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and more!
