Pili goes nationwide, selected to Naismith, McClain watch lists
Alissa Pili
The rest of the college basketball world has finally caught on to Anchorage’s Alissa Pili.
After taking the Pac-12 by storm as a freshman, the University of Southern California forward begins her sophomore season on the preseason watch lists for the Naismith Trophy and Katrina McClain Award.
The Naismith nod is a big deal.
The Naismith is to college basketball what the Heisman Trophy is to college football.
Among the 50 women recognized by Naismith, Pili is one of just nine sophomores named to the watch list.
The Katrina McClain Award is given to the game’s top power forward.
The 6-foot standout is coming off a remarkable rookie year in which she won Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors and scored the most points for a USC freshman in 29 years.
Pili, of Dimond High fame, was a four-time Pac-12 Freshman of the Week.
She started 30 of 31 games and led USC in scoring (16.3), rebounding (8.0) and double-doubles (11).
Pili posted season highs of 32 points and 17 rebounds.
