Oregon guard Deja Kelly has once again earned prestigious recognition by securing a spot on the preseason watch list for the 2024-25 John R. Wooden Award. This marks her third consecutive inclusion on the list, underscoring her continued dominance in college basketball. The John R. Wooden Award is one of the most coveted individual honors in the sport, recognizing the best player in NCAA Division I basketball. Kelly’s inclusion further solidifies her position as one of the top athletes in women’s basketball today.
After transferring from North Carolina to Oregon, Kelly has quickly made her mark on the court. Her stellar performances early in the season have caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts, and she has been named to several other prestigious watch lists, including the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year and the Naismith Trophy Player of the Year. These accolades highlight her exceptional skills and the significant impact she has had on the court, making her one of the most exciting players to watch in the upcoming months.
A Standout Start to the 2024-25 Season
Deja Kelly has showcased her remarkable versatility and skill through just two games in the 2024-25 season. She has played a key role in leading Oregon to a perfect 2-0 record, contributing across multiple areas of the game. Kelly is averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 52.2% from the field. Her standout performance came during Oregon’s 76-58 victory over Nevada, where she led all scorers with 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting.
Kelly’s ability to influence the game in numerous ways makes her an invaluable asset to Oregon. Whether it’s her scoring ability, her playmaking, or her rebounding, Kelly’s contributions are integral to Oregon’s success this season. As she continues to develop her game, the odds of her earning the John R. Wooden Award in 2025 appear promising.
Deja Kelly’s History and Legacy in College Basketball
Before her time at Oregon, Deja Kelly was a standout player at North Carolina, where she made a lasting impact. During her career with the Tar Heels, she earned three consecutive All-ACC First-Team honors, showcasing her dominance in the conference. Kelly finished her career as the eighth-leading scorer in North Carolina’s history, amassing 1,858 points. Her impressive resume includes selections to the prestigious watch lists for the Naismith Trophy, Wooden Award, and USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Player of the Year Award, among others.
In addition to her individual achievements, Kelly was a key player in North Carolina’s success, leading the team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. This included a Sweet Sixteen run in 2022, further proving her ability to perform under pressure. Now, she is looking to build on her successful tenure at UNC and bring that winning mentality to Oregon.
Deja Kelly (image via Getty)Looking Ahead: Kelly’s Pursuit of the John R. Wooden Award
As the season progresses, Deja Kelly remains a strong contender for the John R. Wooden Award, which will be presented on April 11, 2025. The All-America Team, which consists of the top 15 players in the country, will be announced during the week of the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Kelly’s journey toward this prestigious honor will be closely watched, and fans are eager to see how her performances evolve as the season unfolds.
Kelly’s inspiration comes from former Oregon superstar Sabrina Ionescu, who won the John R. Wooden Award in 2019 and 2020. Ionescu made history by becoming one of only six athletes to win the award in consecutive seasons, setting a high bar for Kelly to aim for. While Kelly faces a tough challenge, her skills, work ethic, and leadership position her as one of the favorites for the 2025 John R. Wooden Award.
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