Did Dana Evans’ game-winner seal the deal for the ACC Player of the Year Award?
Since joining the ACC in the fall of 2014, Louisville women’s basketball program has claimed four conference player of the year awards. Former-star Myisha Hines-Allen started the trend by receiving the honor back in 2015-16. Asia Durr soon followed in consecutive seasons (2017-18, 2018-19). After becoming the third to join the club this past season, senior Dana Evans is looking to follow in Durr’s footsteps and repeat as the award’s recipient.
As of January 25th, she may be the front-runner in the hunt.
Dana Evans’ resume by the numbers
Through 14 games, Evans currently leads the ACC in scoring at 19.9 PPG, while riding just below the stellar 50/40/90 shooting percentages. Additionally, she is fourth in the conference in assists per game (4.5) and assists/turnover ratio (2.0). Outside of being efficient on the offensive end, Evans is also near the top in steals, averaging 1.6 per contest.
It can be argued that Louisville’s deep bench and the plethora of contributors hinder Evans’ chances of repeating. Even so, she’s still averaging a career-high in points per game, while her team continues their undefeated season. Two parameters stick out when it comes to player of the year accolades in college basketball: team success and recognition.
Trending now on State of Louisville: Louisville basketball’s schedule reshuffled following BC postponement
Despite having an extremely balanced team, Louisville’s top-ranking and undefeated record helps Evans in the long run. Assuming that the Cardinals finish atop the ACC or close to it, being the best player on one of the best teams is hard to overlook. The notable statistics are icing on the cake and will only justify her campaign. Furthermore, having won the award last year and being on the Naismith Women’s College Basketball Payer of the Year top-50 watchlist checks off the “recognition” box.
Did Sunday seal the deal for Evans?
Even if a player excels in all of those categories. Having a “superstar” moment can really solidify their case for the award. Dominating Notre Dame in 2018 while leading them to victory against UConn in 2019 did wonders to push Durr’s candidacy over the top. Evans’ moment may not be on the same level, but her and-one basket that led Louisville past Wake Forest was extraordinary.
Elissa Cunane (NC State) and Elizabeth Kitley (Virginia Tech) headline the group of outside contenders, but Evans is the heavy frontrunner. The mixture of statistics, narratives, and team success likely has already locked up the ACC Player of the Year Award. While also putting her firmly in contention for national POY honors as well.
Read next: How Carlik Jones carried Louisville basketball to a win vs. Duke
One thought on “Go ahead and give the ACC Player of the Year Award to Dana Evans”