Gonzaga forward Lauren Whittaker selected for Becky Hammon Award preseason watchlist

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Lauren Whittaker has been selected for the Becky Hammon Award preseason watch list, Yahoo College Basketball, Gonzaga University Athletics, KREM, and Yahoo Sports reported on October 28, 2026. Sports Illustrated also reported that the sophomore forward is earning national recognition ahead of the upcoming basketball season. [1][4][5][6][7]

Whittaker, who wears jersey number 33 for Gonzaga, previously featured in a home victory against the Saint Mary's Gaels at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington, in February 2026. According to Yahoo College Basketball, Gonzaga has had one previous forward win the Becky Hammon honor. [1]

In other college sports award announcements on October 28, West Virginia University Athletics reported that Walton was named to the Cheryl Miller Award watch list. Separately, Yahoo College Football reported that Miami Hurricanes sophomore Bryce Fitzgerald, who recently recorded a game-sealing interception against Florida State after changing positions, was selected as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. [2][3]

Yahoo College Football added that Kentucky safety Jordan Castell and Oklahoma safety Peyton Bowen were also recognized in connection with national defensive back honors. As FTMQ Sports reported earlier, major college award selections are underway across multiple sports this month following the announcement of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award quarterback semifinalists. [3][8]