University Southern California Trojans
October 27, 2026 | Men's Basketball
The sophomore guard was one of 20 players to earn this distinction.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Sophomore guard Alijah Arenas of the No. 21 USC Men's Basketball team was named to the 2027 Jerry West Award watch list, as announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Tuesday.
Named after the late Class of 1980 Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player Jerry West, the award has been given to the best shooting guard in Division I men's college basketball for the last 13 years.
Returning for his sophomore season after playing just 14 games last year, Arenas is anticipated to have a more productive year in 2026-27. The former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 27.6 minutes per game. He found his footing during a three-game stretch in early February when he scored 20 or more points, which included a career-high 29 points against Indiana and 24 points — including the game-winner — at Penn State. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his efforts.
Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in each of the three rounds starting on Friday, October 30. In February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2027 Jerry West Award will be narrowed to 10, and then in March, the five finalists will be presented to West's family and the Hall of Fame's selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committee for the Jerry West Award is composed of top men's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
For more information, visit hoopshallawards.com.
2027 Jerry West Award Candidates
Denzel Aberdeen, Florida
Matt Able, North Carolina
Alijah Arenas, USC
Finley Bizjack, West Virginia
John Blackwell, Duke
Miles Byrd, Providence
Collin Chandler, BYU
Quentin Coleman, Illinois
Mason Falslev, Utah State
Austin Goosby, Texas
PJ Haggerty, Texas A&M
Caleb Holt, Arizona
Trey McKenney, Michigan
John Mobley Jr., Ohio State
Braylon Mullins, UConn
Tyler Perkins, Villanova
Trent Perry, UCLA
Killyan Toure, Iowa State
Seth Trimble, Louisville
Jeremiah Wilkinson, Arkansas
Named after the late Class of 1980 Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player Jerry West, the award has been given to the best shooting guard in Division I men's college basketball for the last 13 years.
Returning for his sophomore season after playing just 14 games last year, Arenas is anticipated to have a more productive year in 2026-27. The former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 27.6 minutes per game. He found his footing during a three-game stretch in early February when he scored 20 or more points, which included a career-high 29 points against Indiana and 24 points — including the game-winner — at Penn State. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his efforts.
Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in each of the three rounds starting on Friday, October 30. In February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2027 Jerry West Award will be narrowed to 10, and then in March, the five finalists will be presented to West's family and the Hall of Fame's selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committee for the Jerry West Award is composed of top men's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
For more information, visit hoopshallawards.com.
2027 Jerry West Award Candidates
Denzel Aberdeen, Florida
Matt Able, North Carolina
Alijah Arenas, USC
Finley Bizjack, West Virginia
John Blackwell, Duke
Miles Byrd, Providence
Collin Chandler, BYU
Quentin Coleman, Illinois
Mason Falslev, Utah State
Austin Goosby, Texas
PJ Haggerty, Texas A&M
Caleb Holt, Arizona
Trey McKenney, Michigan
John Mobley Jr., Ohio State
Braylon Mullins, UConn
Tyler Perkins, Villanova
Trent Perry, UCLA
Killyan Toure, Iowa State
Seth Trimble, Louisville
Jeremiah Wilkinson, Arkansas
Players Mentioned
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