Jamison Battle named a finalist on the Julius Erving Award midseason Watch List

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that Ohio State basketball forward Jamison Battle is one of the ten candidates on the Midseason Watch List for the 2024 Julius Erving Award. This annual honor is named after Hall of Famer Julius Erving, and it recognizes the top small forwards in Division I men’s college basketball.

The transfer from Minnesota has provided a major impact for the Buckeyes because of his ability to stretch the floor offensively. Compared to last season at Minnesota, Battle has increased his scoring average to 14.1 points per game. 

Battle has also seen improvements in his shooting percentages compared to last season. Through 21 games played at Ohio State, he’s shooting at a 46.5% clip from the field, 44.4% from three, and 92.9% from the free throw line. He’s given this Ohio State basketball team another weapon because of his elite shooting ability. 

Despite the loss in Ohio State's most recent game against No. 14 Illinois, Battle had an outstanding night leading the Buckeyes on offense. He was extremely efficient from the field going for 21 points on 8-15 shooting, and 3-6 from beyond the arc. Battle has scored over 20 points in a game four different times this season, including a 25-point outburst against his former team, Minnesota.

It’s cool to see Ohio State have a player in the conversation as one of the best players at their position in college basketball. Battle has been great so far this season with his skilled offensive ability, and he’s an excellent leader. 

Unfortunately, the Ohio State basketball team’s current free-fall may decrease his chances of winning the Julius Erving Award. For this award, players can play their way on or off this list as the season goes on. Hopefully Battle can continue playing well so he’s a finalist at the end of the season. 

Jamison Battle and the Ohio State basketball team will try to end their second three-game losing streak of 2024 on Friday when they hit the road to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes.