After breaking the program's single-game scoring record and ranking second in Division II scoring, Fort Lewis College men's basketball player Akuel Kot has been named to the Bevo Francis Award Top 100 small college basketball players to watch list.
The Clarence “Bevo” Francis Award is presented annually to the player who has had the finest overall season within Small College Basketball. Considerations include season statistics and individual achievements, awards, personal character, and team achievements. The prestigious award is only be given to one player within Small College Basketball per season.
The Bevo Francis Award features five dates to watch. The Top 100 was released Sunday, the Top 50 will be released on Feb. 15, followed by the Top 25 on March 15, then finalists on April 1, and lastly the Bevo Francis Award winner on April 3.
Kot, a native of Amarillo, Texas, and a graduate of Palo Duro High is having an electric junior season with Fort Lewis College (15-1 overall, 9-1 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference).
At guard standing 6 feet, 2 inches, Kot ranks second among all Division II players in points per game with 25.1. He has recorded 10 games this season with 20 points or more and broke the program's single-game scoring record back on Nov. 19 against the University of Texas Permian Basin with 45 points. Additionally, Kot is shooting 49.8% from the floor, 41.3% from the three-point line, and 85.7% at the free-throw line with 19 assists, 20 steals, and six blocks.
After starting the season 10-0, the Skyhawks are back on a five-game win streak and out to the best start in program history through 16 games.
Kot and the Skyhawks continue the 2022-23 campaign at home this weekend with contests against the Colorado Mesa Mavericks (14-3, 9-2 RMAC) on Friday and Westminster Griffins (5-12, 4-7 RMAC) on Saturday. Friday's matchup against the Mavs is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff after the women's game at 5:30 p.m. Saturday’s games are scheduled for 5 and 7 p.m.
The FLC women are 6-7, 3-10 heading into their games with Westminster (9-8, 7-4) and Colorado Mesa (6-11, 5-6).
