Maryland men’s basketball guard Eric Ayala named to West Award watch list

Maryland men’s basketball star Eric Ayala was named to the 2022 Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award watchlist on Tuesday, per release. The guard is one of 20 players named to the watch list heading into the 2021-22 season.

Ayala is returning to College Park for his senior season after averaging 15.1 points per game and his 83.1 shooting percentage from the free throw line ranked third in the conference during the 2020-21 season.

During Maryland’s postseason run, the guard heavily contributed to the team. Ayala averaged 19 points and 6.3 rebounds in those final four games.

Ayala’s performance last season earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.

Other Big Ten players on the list include Michigan’s Eli Brooks and Purdue’s Jaden Ivey. The Terps will face Michigan and Purdue each once this season with both matchups coming on the road.

The honor marks the first time a Terp is named to the watch list since Rasheed Suliamon received the honor ahead of the 2015-16 season.