Syracuse guard Judah Mintz named to Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List

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Syracuse star guard Judah Mintz was named to the 50-man watch list for the 2023-24 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Player of the Year award Monday, given annually to the best college basketball player in the country.

Earlier in the preseason, Mintz was also one of 20 candidates on the 2024 Bob Cousy Award Watch List and earned Preseason All-ACC Second Team honors.

Mintz returned to Syracuse on May 31 for his sophomore season after testing NBA Draft waters. He averaged 16.3 points per game (third among all freshmen nationally) and received All-ACC Freshman Team honors during the 2022-23 season.

This past offseason, after shooting 30% from 3 in his first year, Mintz spent the summer polishing his outside shot. He also attended both the Nike Skills Academy in Portland, Oregon, and the CP3 Elite Guard Camp in Los Angeles, California.

Though Mintz did not play in SU’s first exhibition game, an 81-68 win over Daemen, the point guard returned for its second, notching 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds in an 86-61 victory over the College of Saint Rose.

Mintz will likely start in Syracuse’s season opener at the JMA Wireless Dome Monday when SU takes on New Hampshire at 7 p.m.