University of St. Thomas-Houston junior guard Calvin Williams IV was named to the Top 100 Watch List for the 2023-2024 Bevo Francis Award presented to the top player in Small College Basketball, awarded by SmallCollegeBasketball.com . The honor is awarded to a deserving player whose university is affiliated within NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA Division I, NAIA Division II, USCAA and NCCAA.

“Calvin’s passion for the game is what makes him special, and I’m happy that others recognize how special he is as a person and player,” Head Men’s Basketball Coach Anthony Medina affirmed. “The Bevo Francis recognition is perfect for Calvin because he embodies everything that is right with small college basketball.”

Williams ranks first in the conference this season with 19.4 points per game in 17 starts. He has scored double figures in all but one of the Celts games this season with his season high coming against Schreiner where he tabbed 33 points. When not scoring, he also ranks No. 6 in steals with 1.8 per contest.

During his career, the Houston native has appeared in 44 games with 44 starts and averaged an impressive 16.8 points per game. Last season he was an NABC 2nd Team All-American along with being named the SCAC Player of the Year. In total, he has accumulated five SCAC Player of the Week nods.

“This is an incredible honor for Calvin and is certainly well deserved,” Coach Medina added. “The truth about Calvin is that he is not chasing awards or recognition in the game. He invests all of himself because he truly loves basketball.”

SCAC play continues for the No. 19 St. Thomas Celts this weekend at home against Dallas on Friday and Austin College on Sunday. Come out and support Williams and the Celts!

About the Bevo Francis Award

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

2024 marks the eighth year of the Bevo Francis Award.

On February 15, the list will be reduced to the Top 50 players. One month later, on March 15, the Top 25 players will be announced. The finalists and Bevo Francis Award winner announcement date is TBD. More information will be available in the coming months.