Gonzaga’s Johnathan Williams on Naismith Trophy watch list

Gonzaga senior forward Johnathan Williams is one of 50 players on the Naismith Trophy preseason watch list.

The Naismith Trophy is presented annually to the top player in college basketball in April. Kansas guard Frank Mason won the award last year.

Williams averaged 10.2 points and a team-high 6.4 rebounds last season while earning All-WCC first-team honors. He was named the most outstanding player of the West Regional in San Jose as the Zags earned their first trip to the Final Four.

Williams tested the NBA waters last summer before opting to return for his senior season. The Memphis native played two seasons at Missouri before transferring to Gonzaga.

Saint Mary’s center Jock Landale is the only other WCC player on the watch list.