ALEX GROSS RECOGNIZED ON BEVO FRANCIS TOP 100 WATCH LIST

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Olivet Nazarene University men's basketball senior Alex Gross was named to the Small College Basketball Bevo Francis Top 100 watch list.  The organization announced the watch list on Saturday afternoon. 

Gross becomes the second Tiger to be recognized on this list and the first since Nic Reed in 2020, who finished in the top 15. Gross is the only Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) player to make this list. 

Gross has had an excellent season for the Tigers.  The ONU big man is tied for first in the NAIA with 12.9 rebounds a game, is second with 56 total blocks, and is 14th in total assists with 90.  Gross also averages a team-high 20 points a game, which is 26th in the nation and second in the CCAC.  Also, his 144 made field goals is 17th in the country.  The Hope, Ind. native is a three-time CCAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week this season.  As a team, the Tigers are receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top-25 poll, holding a 16-3 overall record and are in first place in the CCAC with a 10-1 mark.  

The Clarence "Bevo" Francis Award is presented annually to the player who has had the finest overall season within Small College Basketball. Considerations will be season statistics and individual achievements, awards, personal character and team achievements.  This is an incredibly prestigious award, as this award will only be given to one player within Small College Basketball per season.

The list will be narrowed down to the top 50 on Tuesday, February 15 and down to the top 25 on Tuesday, March 15, while the finalists will be determined on Saturday, April 2nd and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 4th. 

Click here to learn more about the award and to find the full list.

--ONU—

*Contact: Sam Viebrock, Sports Information Director, stviebrock@olivet.edu