Per GoBearcats:
University of Cincinnati senior forward IImar’I Thomas (Oakland, Calif./Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep) has been named a semifinalist for the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year award announced by Her Hoops Stats on Wednesday.
Thomas, the 2020-21 American Athletic Conference Co-Preseason Player of the Year, entered the week ranked 15th in the nation in scoring at 22.2 points per game. She also ranks nationally in minutes played per game (second at 38.9), field goals made (19th at 124), free throws made (20th at 80), total points (25th at 333), free throws attempted (30th at 95), and field goal percentage (40th at .530).
Thomas also ranks among the American Athletic Conference leaders (top 15) in 10 categories entering the week: scoring (first at 22.2), field goal percentage (first at .530), minutes played (first at 38.9), free throw percentage (first at .842), rebounds (third at 8.1), offensive rebounds (fifth at 2.7), defensive rebounds (sixth at 5.3), assists (ninth at 3.4), assist-to-turnover ratio (10th at 1.6) and blocks (14th at 0.9).
Thomas has scored 20 or more points in 11 games this season, eclipsing 30 or more points on three occasions.
The five finalist for the Becky Hammon award will be announced in early March. The winner will be announced in late March. The list is fluid and players may play their way on or off the list over the course of the season.
On Monday, Thomas also was selected as one of 30 candidates nationally for the Senior CLASS Award, given annually to a women’s basketball student-athlete who excels both on and off the court.
2021 BECKY HAMMON PLAYER OF THE YEAR SEMIFINALISTS
Dyaisha Fair, Buffalo, G, So.
IImar’I Thomas, Cincinnati, F, Sr.
Kierstan Bell, FGCU, G, So.
Blanca Millan, Maine, G, R-Sr.
Anastasia Hayes, Middle Tenn. St., G, R-Jr.
Nancy Mulkey, Rice, C, Sr.
Hannah Sjerven, South Dakota, C, Sr.
Myah Selland, South Dakota St., F, R-Jr.
Kionna Jeter, Towson, G, R-Sr.
Chelsey Perry, UT Martin, F, Sr.
