Hayes, Dolson and Hartley Named to Naismith Award Preseason Watch List

Here’s the press release from UConn about UConn Huskies women’s basketball players Tiffany Hayes, Stefanie Dolson and Bria Hartley being named to the Naismith Award Preseason Watch List.

STORRS, Conn. – Senior Tiffany Hayes and sophomores Stefanie Dolson and Bria Hartley were named to the 2011-12 Naismith Women’s early season watch list as announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club on November 30. All three Huskies also earned a seat on the 2011-12 Preseason Wade Watch List and the 2011-12 Wooden Award Preseason Top-30.

The list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, which based its criteria on player performances from the previous year and expectations for the 2012 college basketball season. The 2012 Naismith Trophy will be awarded at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Denver.

The Huskies, a perfect 7-0 to start the season, are one of three teams to have three players named to the list with Notre Dame and Tennessee. The BIG EAST is well represented being the conference with the most student-athletes on the early season list as 12 players from six BIG EAST universities are represented.

“With 15 players returning from last season’s watch list, including two of last year’s finalists, this year’s Naismith Women’s Player of the Year trophy is all about experience,” said Eric Oberman, Atlanta Tipoff Club executive director. “We’re excited for all of the action to unfold and to see who is left standing at the end of the season.”

UConn has swept the past three Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year award with Maya Moore taking home the honor in 2009 and 2011, while Tina Charles was awarded it in 2010.

Hayes, on the preseason list for the second consecutive year, is leading the team in rebounds averaging 6.3 per game and being third on the team in scoring with 14.4 points per game. Hayes was also named to the 2011-12 Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team.

Dolson, a 2011-12 Preseason All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention, is leading the Huskies in field goal percentage with 62 percent averaging 10.9 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game.

Hartley has seen the most playing time for the Huskies and is the second leading scorer for the Huskies with 15 points per game and the leader in assists (19) after being named to the 2011-12 Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team.

In late February, the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors will compile a midseason team of the top 30 players in the nation. Then in March, the Naismith Trophy voting academy will vote to narrow the list to the four finalists.

For a full look at the 2011‐12 Naismith Trophy Early‐Season Watch List, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

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