[Men's Basketball - D1-D2] ONU's Nic Reed named to 2018 Bevo Francis Award Top 100 Watch List

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. - Small College Basketball is excited to announce its first Watch List for the Bevo Francis Award of 2018 consisting of 100 of the finest men's basketball players in the country who compete in the affiliations of NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA Division I, NAIA Division II, USCAA and NCCAA. 

In the third season of the award given out by SCB, Olivet Nazarene University's, Nic Reed (SO/New Albany, Ind.), has been named to the Bevo Francis Award Top 100 Watch List. Reed is the first from ONU to be named to the list and is one of only 10 sophomores or freshmen to earn the designation. 

Reed has been a model of consistency in 2017-18 for the Tigers. He continues to produce in multiple statistical categories leading the Tigers to a 9-10 overall record as of January 13. Reed leads the Tigers in minutes per game (34.6) scoring (22.2), rebounding (8.2), defensive rebounds (119), offensive rebounds (37), free-throws made and attempted (92-of-117), field goals made and attempted (150-302). He was second on the team in assists (3.2), steals (0.9), three-point field goals made (30) and three-pointers attempted (78).

The most recent Tiger to join ONU's 1,000 Point Club is also leading the CCAC in scoring, is second in rebounding, third in free-throws made and in minutes played. Not to mention, Reed has already earned three CCAC Player of the Week honors this season. He is also 10th in the NAIA in points per game.

On February 15, SCB will publish the next Watch List with 50 players. The list will be narrowed down to 25 players in a Watch List published on March 15. The finalists will be announced in a highlight video that will be released on March 31.  The 2018 Bevo Francis Award winner will be announced on April 2 but for the first time, the award will be presented to the award winner on May 19 at the newly created National Awards Show in conjunction with the SCB Alumni Association's Celebration of the Game event at the Crowne Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.

"The Bevo Francis Award has quickly become the most prestigious award for collegiate players at the small college levels, and this Watch List and award has now drawn a great deal of attention, said Small College Basketball founder John McCarthy.  "We've received a tremendous amount of information, and we've done a great deal of research. Ultimately, selecting 100 players from 1,100 - 1,200 schools is extremely challenging. Our committee did a tremendous amount of research, and we tried to focus on the criteria for the Bevo Francis Award."

Considerations for the Bevo Francis Award will be season statistics and individual achievements, awards, personal character and team achievements.  This is an incredibly prestigious award, as this award will only be given to one player within Small College Basketball per season.