Gonzaga's Julian Strawther named finalist for Julius Erving Award

The 6-foot-7 wing is among the best at his position

Gonzaga Bulldogs junior Julian Strawther is one of five finalists for the Julius Erving Award, which honors the top small forward in college basketball each season.

The other four candidates are Brandon Miller (Alabama), Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State), Jalen Wilson (Kansas) and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA).

Strawther is averaging 15.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, second on the team in both categories.

He was named first-team All-West Coast Conference after helping the Zags win a share of the league’s regular-season title. Strawther scored in double figures in all but two games during conference play.

The Las Vegas native was also voted to the WCC All-Tournament team following Gonzaga’s 77-51 win over Saint Mary’s in the championship game on Tuesday.

If Strawther wins the Erving Award, he will become the third Zag to receive the honor, joining Corey Kispert (2021) and Rui Hachimura (2019).

Fan Voting for the award begins on Friday at hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process before the winner is announced in April.