2020-21 Michigan Men's Basketball Awards and Honors
3/17/2021 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
• 2020-21 Michigan Men's Basketball National Honors
• Wagner Named to CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team (5/28/21)
• Wagner named to Academic All-District 5 First Team (5/7/21)
• Howard Tabbed as Henry Iba National Coach of the Year by USBWA (3/19/21)
Juwan Howard, Hunter Dickinson, Isaiah Livers (March 17)
USBWA Postseason Honors -- The U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) named head coach Juwan Howard one of four finalists for the Henry Iba National Coach of the Year Award, along with Scott Drew (Baylor), Mark Few (Gonzaga) and Nate Oats (Alabama). Hunter Dickinson was named one of four finalists for the Wayman Tisdale Freshman Player of the Year Award, along with Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State), Eric Mobley (USC) and Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga). Dickinson also earned a spot on the USBWA All-America second team and is among five Big Ten players to earn the honor including Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois, 1st), Luka Garza (Iowa, 1st), Kofi Cockburn (Illinois, 2nd) and Trayce Jackson-Day (Indiana, 3rd). » USBWA Release
Juwan Howard, Hunter Dickinson, Isaiah Livers (March 16)
NABC Coach of the Year, All-District Team -- Michigan head coach Juwan Howard earned National Assciation of Basketball Coaches (NABC) District 7 Coach of the Year honor, while Hunter Dickinson and Isaiah Livers were named to the All-District second team. Joining Dickinson and Livers on the second team are Marcus Carr (Minnesota), Kofi Cockburn (Illinois) and Ron Harper Jr. (Rutgers). » NABC Release
USBWA Postseason Honors -- The U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) named Juwan Howard as its District V Coach of the Year, while Hunter Dickinson and Isaiah Livers were named to the All-District V Team. With nine of 10 players on Big Ten teams, in addition to Dickinson and Livers, the District V team includes Marcus Carr (Minnesota), Kofi Cockburn (Illinois), Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois), Aaron Henry (Michigan State), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana), Cameron Krutwig (Loyola Chicago), E.J. Liddell (Ohio State) and Trevon Willliams (Purdue). » USBWA Release
Hunter Dickinson (March 6)
Wooden Award Late Season Top 20 Watch List -- Freshman Hunter Dickinson was named one of 15 semifinalists for the Wooden Award, given annually to the National Player of the Year. He is one of six players from the Big Ten to make the listing and one of four freshmen. Joining Dickinson on the list are Charles Bassey (Jr., Western Kentucky), Jared Butler (Jr., Baylor), Kofi Cockburn (So., Illinois), Cade Cunningham (Fr., Oklahoma State), Ayo Dosunmu (Jr., Illinois), Luka Garza (Sr., Iowa), Collin Gillespie (Sr., Villanova), Trayce Jackson-Davis (So., Indiana), Corey Kispert (Sr., Gonzaga), E.J. Liddell (So., Ohio State), Evan Mobley (Fr., USC), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (So., Villanova), Jalen Suggs (Fr., Gonzaga) and Drew Timme (So., Gonzaga). Voting will take place from March 15-22, and voters take into consideration a player's entire season of play as well as the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The finalists for the 2021 Wooden Award presented by Wendy's will be announced on March 26 » Wooden Award Release
Juwan Howard (March 5)
Werner Ladder Naismith Men's Coach of the Year Semifinalist -- U-M head coach Juwan Howard has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Werner Ladder Naismith Men's Coach of the Year award. Joining Howard on the latest listing are Darian DeVries (Drake), Scott Drew (Baylor), Mark Few (Gonzaga), Leonard Hamilton (Florida State), Chris Holtmann (Ohio State), Bob Huggins (West Virginia), Porter Moser (Loyola-Chicago), Eric Musselman (Arkansas) and Nate Oats (Alabama). The four finalists will be named in mid-March, and the award will be presented during the Final Four at the Naismith Awards Brunch on April 4. » Naismith Awards
Hunter Dickinson (March 4)
Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Semifinalist -- Freshman Hunter Dickinson is one of 10 players from across the nation on the list of semifinalists for the 2021 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy for college player of the year. Dickinson is one of three freshmen on the list and one of three Big Ten players. Joining Dickinson as semifinalists are Jared Butler (Jr., Baylor), Cade Cunningham (Fr., Oklahoma State), Ayo Dosunmu (Jr., Illinois), Luka Garza (Sr., Iowa), Quentin Grimes (Jr., Houston), Herbert Jones (Sr., Alabama), Corey Kispert (Sr., Gonzaga), Evan Mobley (Fr., USC) and Drew Timme (So., Gonzaga). The four finalists will be named on March 16, and the award will be presented during the Final Four at the Naismith Awards Brunch on April 4. » Naismith Trophy
Hunter Dickinson (Feb. 22)
Big Ten Freshman of the Week -- Earning his seventh Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor, Hunter Dickinson tied the U-M record for the most in a season with Trey Burke, who had seven in the 2011-12 season and went on to earn Freshman of the Year honors. For the week, Dickinson averaged 16 points, 8.5 rebounds 1.5 blocks, while shooting 50 percent from the field and going a perfect 8-for-8 on free throws as the Maize and Blue defeated Rutgers (71-64) in the first home game in 30 days and earned a 92-87 win at No. 4 Ohio State -- the first win in Columbus in seven years. Dickinson recorded 10 points, eight rebounds and a block in 26 minutes against the Scarlet Knights before closing the week scoring 16 of his team-best 22 points in the second half at Ohio State -- his fourth 20+ point game of the season. He had nine rebounds -- five offensive -- while adding two assists, two blocks and went 8-for-14 from the field against the Buckeyes. » Big Ten Release
Juwan Howard (Feb. 19)
Werner Ladder Naismith Men's Coach of the Year -- U-M head coach Juwan Howard is among the 15 coaches on the late-season watch list for the Werner Ladder Naismith Men's Coach of the Year award. With Wolverines women's coach Kim Barnes Arico on the same list for the women, Michigan is one of three programs in the nation represented on both watch lists. Howard and Ohio State's Chris Holtmann are the only two selections from the Big Ten. » Naismith Awards
Hunter Dickinson (Feb. 15)
Big Ten Freshman of the Week -- After returning from a 23-day department pause, Hunter Dickinson continued to show his strong basketball IQ as he adjusted his game to fit what the Wolverines needed in a 67-59 comeback victory at No. 21 Wisconsin on Sunday (Feb. 14). In the win, Dickinson posted his fourth double-double of the season with 11 points, a career-high-tying 15 rebounds as well as a career-high five blocks. He became the first Wolverine to post 10+ points, 15+ rebounds and 5+ blocks since 2004 -- Courtney Sims vs. Purdue (Feb. 7, 2004; 11 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks). With a career-best five offensive rebounds, Dickinson's second-chance board and dish to Isaiah Livers was key as Livers made the wide-open three-pointer with 2:56 left to give U-M the lead and complete the comeback win at the Kohl Center for just the third time since 2000. » Big Ten Release
Hunter Dickinson (Feb. 11)
Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Midseason Team -- Freshman Hunter Dickinson was one of 30 players from across the nation to earn a spot on the 2021 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Midseason Team. Dickinson is one of eight players from the Big Ten to be named to the team, joining Marcus Carr (Minnesota), Kofi Cockburn (Illinois), Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois), Luka Garza (Iowa), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana), E.J. Liddell (Ohio State) and Trevion Williams (Purdue). A five-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week honoree, Dickinson leads Michigan in scoring (15.1 points), rebounding (7.2), blocks (1.4) and field-goal percentage (68.8). Ten national semifinalists will be announced March 4, with four finalists named March 16. The Naismith Trophy will be awarded during the Final Four at the Naismith Awards Brunch on April 4. » Naismith Trophy Release
Isaiah Livers (Feb. 9)
Senior CLASS Award Top 30 Watch List -- Senior Isaiah Livers was named one of 30 candidates for the 2020-21 Senior CLASS Award, which honors Division I seniors who have notable achievements in the community, classroom, character and competition. Livers is one of five Big Ten seniors named to the prestigious list along with Geo Baker (Rutgers), Luka Garza Iowa), Darryl Morsell (Maryland) and D'Mitrik Price (Wisconsin). A list of 10 finalists will be chosen in late February, and those names will be placed on the official ballot. Ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans, who will then select the winner to be announced at the Final Four. » Senior CLASS Award Release
Hunter Dickinson (Feb. 1)
Wooden Award Late Season Top 20 Watch List -- Freshman Hunter Dickinson has earned a place on the Late Season Top 20 List for the Wooden Award, given aannually to the National Player of the Year. Dickinson leads U-M in scoring (15.1), rebounding (7.2), blocks (1.4) and field goal percentage (68.8). He has 11 double-figure scoring games this season, highlighted with a career-best 28 points at Maryland (Dec. 31), and collected a career-high 15 rebounds at Nebraska on Dec. 25. Joining Dickinson on the list are Charles Bassey (Western Kentucky), James Bouknight (Connecticut), Jared Butler (Baylor), Marcus Carr (Minnesota), Justin Champagnie (Pittsburgh), Kofi Cockburn (Illinois), Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State), Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois), Luka Garza (Iowa), Collin Gillespie (Villanova), Quentin Grimes (Houston), Ron Harper Jr. (Rutgers), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana), Carlik Jones (Louisville), Corey Kispert (Gonzaga), Evan Mobley (USC), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Villanova), Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga), Drew Timme (Gonzaga). The list will be whittled down to a final 15 players, and voting will open prior to the NCAA Tournament to rank in order 10 of those 15 players. The winner will be presented in April following the NCAA Tournament. » Wooden Award Release
Hunter Dickinson (Jan. 29)
Basketball Hall of Fame Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Top 10 -- Freshman Hunter Dickinson has been named one of the top 10 candidates for the Basketball Hall of Fame Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, presented annually to the top center in the nation. A five-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week honoree, Dickinson leads Michigan in scoring (15.1 points), rebounding (7.2), blocks (1.4) and field-goal percentage (68.8), which is third nationally. With a team-leading three double-doubles, he has 11 double-figure scoring games, highlighted by a career-best 28 points at Maryland (Dec. 31). He has three double-digit rebounding games, including a career-best 15 at Nebraska (Dec. 25). Joining Dickinson on the list are Charles Bassey (Western Kentucky), Kofi Cockburn (Illinois), Derek Culver (West Virginia), Luka Garza (Iowa), Evan Mobley (USC), Neemias Queta (Utah State), Liam Robbins (Minnesota), Nate Watson (Providence) and Trevion Williams (Purdue). In late February, five finalists will be presented to Abdul-Jabbar and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The winner will be presented April 9, 2021, along with the other four members of the Men's Starting Five. » Basketball Hall of Fame Release
Franz Wagner (Jan. 28)
Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List -- Sophomore Franz Wagner has been named one of 16 members on the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List. Starting all 14 games this season, Wagner leads the Wolverines with 20 steals (1.4 per game) and is second with 17 blocks (1.2 per game). This season, he has set career bests for blocks (five, vs. Northwestern) and steals (four, vs. Wisconsin). In late February, the list will be narrowed to five finalists, and the winner will be presented at the Final Four. Joining Wagner on the list are Charles Bassey (Western Kentucky), Jared Butlerh (Baylor), Justin Champagnie (Pittsburgh), Kihei Clark (Virginia), Marcus Garrett (Kansas), Jacob Gilyard (Richmond), DeVante' Jones (Coastal Carolina), Herb Jones (Alabama), Davion Mitchell (Baylor), Yves Pons (Tennessee), Neemias Queta (Utah State), Aamir Simms (Clemson) and Mark Vital (Baylor). » Naismith Awards Release
Isaiah Livers (Jan. 27)
Basketball Hall of Fame Julius Erving Award -- Senior Isaiah Livers is among the top 10 candidates for the Basketball Hall of Fame Julius Erving Award, presented annually to the top small forward in the nation. Livers has continued to produce in his final season, averaging 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He leads the Wolverines with 33 three-pointers and is shooting 44.6 percent (33-for-74) from long range. He has posted 12 games in double figures with four of 20 points or more, including a season-best 22 against Oakland (Nov. 29) and at Purdue (Jan. 22). With 11 games of five rebounds or more, he tied a career-best with 10 against the Boilermakers, which helped him record his third career double-double (22 points, 10 rebounds). Livers is shooting 94.4 percent (34-for-36) from the free-throw line. Joining Livers on the list are Derrick Alston Jr. (Boise State), Ron Harper Jr. (Rutgers), Sam Hauser (Virginia), Aaron Henry (Michigan State), Corey Kispert (Gonzaga), Matt Mitchell (San Diego State), Yves Pons (Tennessee), Terrence Shannon Jr. (Texas Tech) and Ziaire Williams (Stanford). In late February, five finalists will be presented to Mr. Erving and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The winner of the 2021 Julius Erving Award will be presented April 9, 2021, along with the other four members of the Men's Starting Five. » Basketball Hall of Fame Release
Franz Wagner (Jan. 26)
Basketball Hall of Fame Jerry West Award -- Sophomore Franz Wagner has been named one of the Top 10 candidates for the Basketball Hall of Fame's Jerry West Award for the top shooting guard in the nation. Starting all 14 games this season, and extending his streak to 41 straight starts, Wagner has averaged 12.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game in his second season. He has collected eight double-figure scoring games with a season-best 20 at Nebraska (Dec. 25) while adding two double-doubles. This season, he has set new career bests for assists (five, twice -- vs. Northwestern, at Purdue), blocks (five, vs. Northwestern) and steals (four, vs. Wisconsin). In late February, the list will be narrowed to five finalists, and the winner will be presented April 9. Joining Wagner on the list are Terry Taylor (Austin Peay), MaCio Teague (Baylor), James Bouknight (Connecticut), Joel Ayayi (Gonzaga), Joe Wieskamp (Iowa), Ochai Agbaji (Kansas), Cameron Thomas (LSU), Chris Duarte (Oregon) and Jordan Goodwin (Saint Louis). » Basketball Hall of Fame Release
Isaiah Livers (Jan. 25)
Big Ten Player of the Week -- After U-M suffered its first loss of the season at Minnesota, senior Isaiah Livers helped Michigan bounce back with a 24-point win over Maryland (87-63) and a 17-point road win at Purdue (70-53) to remain atop the Big Ten. Livers posted back-to-back 20+ point games -- third and fourth of season -- while adding his third career double-double against the Boilermakers. He closed the week averaging 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds 3.0 assists, while shooting 54.5 percent from the field (12-for-22), 70 percent (7-for-10) from long range and 91.7 percent (11-for-12) on free throws. Opening the week Livers needed just eight shots to score 20 points against Maryland as he was 5-for-8 from the field, going 4-for-5 from long range. He added a 6-for-6 line on his free throws and had five rebounds and three assists. He followed with season-high-tying 22 points at Purdue as he went 7-for-14 from the field, adding three more three-pointers. Grabbing a career-high-tying 10 rebounds, he posted his first double-dip of the season and third of his career. Livers saw his streak of 27 straight free throws come to an end as he finished 5-for-6 at the charity stripe. However, by adding three more assists, he has now posted 3+ assists in five of his last six games. » Big Ten Release
Hunter Dickinson (Jan. 11)
Big Ten Freshman of the Week -- Hunter Dickinson went for a career-best 12 field goals in 15 attempts to score a career-best 28 points in a 82-57 victory over No. 16 Minnesota on Wednesday night (Jan. 6). It was his third 20+ point game and second in three games. He added eight rebounds and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in 31 minutes. Dickinson held Minnesota seven-footer Liam Robbins scoreless after Robbins scored the Golden Gophers' first five points (2:44 minutes into the game). Dickinson's effort helped the Wolverines to a 39-8 second-half run (first 12 minutes) to build a 37-point lead and cruise to a second straight win over a ranked opponent and fifth straight Big Ten victory. » Big Ten Release
Hunter Dickinson (Jan. 4)
Big Ten Freshman of the Week -- Averaging 22.5 points, seven rebounds and shooting 78.3 percent (18-for-23), Hunter Dickinson helped keep the Wolverines undefeated (9-0) with wins at Maryland and No. 19 Northwestern to earn his fourth Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolade. Opening the week, Dickinson scored a career-best 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for his third double-double of the season, hitting a career-best 10 shots on 11 attempts. He added a block and an assist to a cutting Eli Brooks for a highlight-reel dunk. He followed with 19 points, three rebounds and a block against the Wildcats in the Wolverines' first win over a ranked opponent this season. After scoring four points in the first half, Dickinson went 6-for-8 in the second half, scoring 15 points in an 85-66 win. » Big Ten Release
Hunter Dickinson (Dec. 28)
Big Ten Freshman of the Week -- After a 12-day layoff, Hunter Dickinson showed zero signs of slowing down, producing his second double-double of the season and helping the Wolverines to an 80-69 Christmas Day victory at Nebraska in U-M's first road game of the season. He went 5-for-7 from the field and posted his seventh straight double-figure game with 13 points. However, it was his work on the glass that stood out as he pulled in a career-best 15 rebounds (3O, 12D) for his second 10+ board game of the season. In fact, his 12 defensive boards bettered his prior total high of 11 against Ball State (Dec. 2). Dickinson became the first Wolverine to grab 15 boards since Jon Teske had 15 in the win vs. Gonzaga in the championship game of the 2019 Battle 4 Atlantis (Nov. 29). Dickinson added two blocks in 33 minutes of action against the Cornhuskers. » Big Ten Release
Hunter Dickinson (Dec. 14)
Big Ten Freshman of the Week -- Hunter Dickinson earned the Big Ten's Freshman of the Week honor for a second straight week, as he helped the Wolverines (6-0) stay undefeated with wins over Toledo (Dec. 9) and Penn State (Dec. 13). He averaged 19.0 points, 7.0 rebounds 3.5 blocks per game in those games while shooting 68.0 percent (17-for-25) and going 4-for-5 on free throws. Dickinson opened the week with a game-high 18 points with seven rebounds and four blocks against Toledo. Making his first start in U-M's game against PSU, he scored 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds, added three blocks and was instrumental down the stretch as the Wolverines grinded out a 62-58 win. » Big Ten Release
Hunter Dickinson (Dec. 7)
Big Ten Freshman of the Week -- Providing a much-needed spark off the bench, Hunter Dickinson earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after back-to-back double-figure performances. He averaged 13.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and one block per game while shooting 73.3 percent (11-for-15) against Ball State and Central Florida. Dickinson recorded his first career double-double (12 points, career-best 11 rebounds) against Ball State and followed that with 14 points (6-for-6 shooting, 2-for-2 on free throws) and seven boards against UCF. In the second game, he helped the Wolverines to a come-from-behind win that featured the U-M second team scoring 49 of the team's 80 points. » Big Ten Release
Isaiah Livers (Dec. 1)
Wooden Award Watch List -- Senior Isaiah Livers was named one of 50 players selected to the John R. Wooden Award Watch List. The Wooden Award is presented annually to the National Player of the Year. Livers was one of 10 Big Ten players on the list, joining Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu (Illinois), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana), Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp (Iowa), Joey Hauser (Michigan State), Marcus Carr (Minnesota), Ron Harper Jr. (Rutgers) and Nate Reuvers (Wisconsin). There will be a midseason and a late season release throughout the year. The winner of the 2021 John R. Wooden Award will be presented following the NCAA Tournament in April. » Wooden Award Release
Isaiah Livers (Nov. 19)
Naismith Trophy Watch List -- Senior Isaiah Livers was named one of 50 players selected to the Naismith Trophy Watch List. The Naismith Trophy is presented annually to the men's college player of the year. Livers is one of eight Big Ten players on the list joining Illinois' Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu, Indiana's Trayce Jackson-Davis, Iowa's Luka Garza, Michigan State's Aaron Henry, Minnesota's Marcus Carr and Purdue's Trevion Williams. A list of the midseason 30 team will be released in early February, followed by the announcement of 10 national semifinalists on March 4, 2021, and four finalists on March 16. The Naismith Trophy will be awarded during the Final Four at the Naismith Awards Brunch on April 4, 2021. » Atlanta Tipoff Club Release
