UConn announces major Solo Ball news before NCAA Tournament

UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball against Creighton

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Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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The UConn Huskies are preparing for another run at the NCAA Tournament behind a talented roster that features freshman phenomenon Braylon Mullins and veteran stars such as Alex Karaban and Solo Ball.

First, they'll look to win another Big East Conference championship when they return to Madison Square Garden in New York City, attempting to gain momentum for the Big Dance.

Ensuring all of their starting players are healthy and able to compete is of the utmost importance, and so far, everything has been moving along well on that front.

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Getting some much-needed contributions from the lines of Karaban and Ball could also be essential to the team's success in both upcoming March Madness tournaments.

UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball against Creighton

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While UConn never knows which player will rise to the challenge in a game, Ball has been among the standout performers for the team this past season, scoring in bunches and knocking down much-needed shots whether the team's struggling or increasing its lead.

On Tuesday, UConn announced that the guard is one of five finalists for the exclusive Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award. He joins Brayden Burries, Isaiah Evans, Emanuel Sharp, and Keaton Wagler among this year's finalists for the award.

Among previous award winners are current NBA stars RJ Barrett, Malik Monk, Buddy Hield, and D’Angelo Russell.

"Up there with the best of the best," UConn wrote in an X (formerly Twitter) post to announce the news.

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Ball is currently averaging 13.9 points on 40.5 percent field goal shooting. Additionally, he has 3.4 and 1.6 assists per game as part of a strong backcourt that also features transfer Silas Demary Jr., making plays.

Interestingly enough, Ball was not one of UConn's selections for the recent First All-Big East Team. However, Demary was one of three Huskies receiving that honor, along with Reed Jr. and Karaban.

Ball was a selection for the Second Team, showing his past season's work didn't go unnoticed, as he stepped up big in numerous games. That included a 26-point performance in a 79-60 win over Butler and 24 points, including five three-pointers in his team’s overtime win against Villanova.

UConn now awaits Wednesday's winner of a first-round game in the Big East Tournament between Xavier and Marquette as they begin postseason play in anticipation of the Big Dance next week.