Arizona Basketball: Nico Mannion named to Bob Cousy Award watch list

Arizona Basketball five-star incoming freshman Nico Mannion was named to the Bob Cousy Award watch list.

One of two incoming five-star players for Arizona Basketball, Nico Mannion is going to be a major force to be reckoned with next season. So much so that he has been named to the Bob Cousy Award watch list. This award is given by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to the top point guard in the country in college basketball. For a freshman to make that lists says a lot about how good Mannion really is.

Expectations are high for the five-star incoming freshman point guard Nico Mannion. He is being recognized as one of the top point guard guards in the country and expected to take Arizona Basketball to the next level this upcoming season. That is a lot of pressure for a freshman to handle, but competing and winning at a high level in pressure situations is nothing new for Mannion.

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Having played through the AAU circuit and even for his home country of Italy, he will bring along with him experience and understanding of what it takes to compete against the best at a high level. When he joins Arizona, Mannion will be looked upon by Coach Sean Miller to assist Brandon Williams in taking the reigns at the point guard position.

These two will complement each other well and will likely make up the starting five. Having both on the floor at the same time provides the Wildcats versatility and many options on offense. Both can handle the ball, pass the ball and shoot the ball – triple b threat!

Mannion has the opportunity to not only be one of the best point guards in the country, but also one of the best to have played at Arizona. He has the skillset to do it all. Mannion can also become the first player ever from Arizona basketball to win this award.

Other top individuals on that watch list include Cassius Winston of Michigan St, Markus Howard of Marquette and Tre Jones of Duke. One name not on that list, include who many believe is one of the top overall freshman next season, Cole Anthony. According to 247 Sports he is listed as a combo guard, but so is a lot other individuals on this list including Mannion.

At Zona Zealots, we would like to congratulate Nico Mannion on being named to the Bob Cousey Award watch list. Cousey was one of the greatest point guards to have played basketball and went on to win six NBA Championships with the Celtics. Hopefully Mannion can bring the same type of success. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!