Every year, college basketball fans eagerly anticipate the reveal of the finalists for the prestigious Julius Erving Award.
This year’s selections sparked intense discussions, as some of the most electrifying players in the nation made the cut. With five standout athletes vying for the honor, the competition is fierce, and fans have wasted no time making their voices heard.
Fans React to the Erving Award Finalists
On Wednesday, March 5, the Julius Erving Award finalists for the 2024-25 season were officially announced. It features an elite group of small forwards who have dominated on the court.
The finalists include Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, Kentucky’s Jaxson Robinson, Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara, and St. John’s RJ Luis Jr. The selection of these five players immediately sparked online debate, with fans voicing strong opinions about who truly deserves the award.
Bleacher Report Hoops fueled the discussion by posting images of all five finalists on Instagram with the caption: “The finalists for the Julius Erving Award for the top small forward in the nation have been announced. Who you got winning the award?”
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The comment section erupted with passionate responses, with one particularly blunt remark standing out:
“Bro has no reason to be in college basketball.”
“That is the worst take of the month, ” someone said.
“Bailey overrated,” someone else commented.
“My fellow Duke fans be prepared for a terrible officiated game. People are complaining that this game shouldn’t be televised because the rivalry isn’t important. I can see the ACC trying to prove a point and whisper to the refs to call it a certain way. Key Duke players will be in foul trouble, watch, ” another comment came.
“Give Flagg everything at this point,” another person said.
At the forefront of the discussion is Duke’s freshman sensation, Flagg, who is widely considered the frontrunner for the award. The highly touted prospect and projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has been nothing short of spectacular this season.
MORE: Cooper Flagg vs. Johni Broome? Analyzing the Player of the Year Contenders
Averaging 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, Flagg has proven to be a dominant two-way force. His efficiency has been remarkable, shooting 49.7% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc.
Thanks in large part to Flagg’s stellar play, Duke boasts an impressive 27-3 record and holds the No. 2 ranking in the nation. With the Blue Devils poised as serious national title contenders, Flagg’s impact on the team is undeniable. However, he isn’t the only freshman making a strong case for the award.
Ace Bailey and Other Contenders
Rutgers’ freshman star Ace Bailey has also put together a compelling case for the award despite his team’s struggles. The highly skilled forward is averaging 18 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 blocks, and one steal per game while shooting 46.3% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range.
Despite Bailey’s brilliance, Rutgers has fallen short of expectations this season, finishing with a disappointing 14-16 record in the Big Ten. The struggles of the Scarlet Knights have led some to question whether Bailey should be in the final five, but his talent and production remain undeniable.
Meanwhile, Kentucky’s Jaxson Robinson has been a steady contributor in the ultra-competitive SEC, putting up 13 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Shooting an efficient 43.2% from the field and 37.6% from three, Robinson has played a key role in Kentucky’s 20-10 season, helping to lead a well-balanced Wildcats squad.
Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara has been instrumental in the Tigers’ dominant campaign, contributing 13.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Shooting 47.4% from the floor and 39.3% from beyond the arc, Baker-Mazara has provided Auburn with much-needed scoring and versatility, making them strong contenders for a national title.
Rounding out the list of finalists is St. John’s junior RJ Luis Jr., who has been the driving force behind the Red Storm’s incredible 26-4 record. Luis has put up impressive numbers, averaging 17.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
While his three-point shooting percentage (30%) lags behind the other finalists, his overall impact has been massive, as St. John’s has emerged as one of the best teams in the country.
KEEP READING: When Does March Madness Start?
With such a talented group of players in contention, the race for the Julius Erving Award remains wide open. While Flagg may be the favorite, the contributions of Bailey, Robinson, Baker-Mazara, and Luis cannot be overlooked.
As March Madness approaches, the final performances of these five stars could ultimately determine who takes home the coveted honor.
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