SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced today the 10 candidates for the 2018 Katrina McClain Award. Named after the two-time All-American, 1987 National Player of the Year and 2012 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, the annual award in its inaugural year recognizes the top power forwards in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball.
“From the University of Georgia to Team USA, Katrina made her mark on the game through heart and determination,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “The ten power forwards being considered to this award display many of the attributes that made Katrina such a tremendous player and teammate and we’re happy to recognize these young women for their outstanding efforts this season.”
The Selection Committee for the Katrina McClain Award is composed of top women’s college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers. In March, five finalists will be presented to Ms. McClain-Pittman and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. Fans will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalists to determine the Naismith Starting 5 at www.hoophallawards.com.
The winner of the 2018 Katrina McClain Power Forward Award will be announced during ESPN2’s telecast of the national semifinal games in the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four in Columbus, Ohio on Friday, March 30. Additional awards being presented include the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award, the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard Award, the Cheryl Miller Small Forward Award and the Lisa Leslie Center Award, as well as the Wade Trophy, the sport’s oldest and most prestigious national player of the year award which is presented annually by the WBCA’s community of coaches to the best player in college women’s basketball.
| Name | School |
| Lauren Cox | Baylor |
| Kristine Anigwe | California |
| Camille Zimmerman | Columbia |
| Napheesa Collier | Connecticut |
| Caliya Robinson | Georgia |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | Louisville |
| Stephanie Mavunga | Ohio State |
| Ruthy Hebard | Oregon |
| Bella Alarie | Princeton |
| Maria Jesperson | South Florida |
*Players can play their way onto and off of the list at any point in the 2017-18 season*
