BOSTON – University of South Alabama senior Trhae Mitchell has been named to the 2019-20 Lou Henson Award watchlist, CollegeInsider.com announced.

The Lou Henson Award is presented annually to the nation's top Division I mid-major player. Former Jaguar Augustine Rubit was a finalist in 2012-13.

Last season Mitchell was a Third Team All-Sun Belt Conference selection after averaging 13.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He became the first player in school history to lead the team in rebounds, assists (122), steals (39) and blocks (71), and was the second ever to have 200 rebounds and 100 assists in the same season.

The Austell, Ga., native was voted the 2019-20 Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year earlier this month. After three games this season, Mitchell is averaging 10.4 points per contest.

The award honors Henson, the former Illinois and New Mexico State coach who won 775 games in 41 seasons.  Henson is the winningest coach in Illinois basketball history with 423 victories. During his 21 seasons (1975-1996), Henson led the Fighting Illini to 16 postseason appearances, including 12 NCAA tournaments and a Final Four appearance in 1989.

The 2019-20 Lou Henson National Player of the Year Award will be announced in April 2020 in Atlanta, Ga., site of the men's Division I NCAA Basketball Championship.

In College Insider's most recent Mid-Major Top 25, the Jaguars are ranked No. 24.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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