Central’s Van Gorp named to award watch list

PELLA-Central College center Joshua Van Gorp (senior, Pella, Pella Christian HS) is included on the Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List as the small-college men’s basketball player of the year.

The Clarence “Bevo” Francis Award is in its eighth year of being presented annually to the top player from among the NCAA Division II, Division III, NAIA, and NCCAA. Season statistics, individual achievements, awards, personal character and team awards are considered.

The list will be reduced to the top 50 Feb. 15 and a top 25 March 15 before finalists and the winner are announced on a date to be determined.

Van Gorp became the first player in Central program history to receive NABC All-America distinction last year, gaining third-team distinction. He was also the American Rivers Conference MVP after helping lead the Dutch to the conference title.

The 6-foot-10 four-year starter ranks 12th in Division III in scoring (22.1 points), 11th in rebounding (11.5) per game and 11th in field goal percentage (63.9%). He’s 14th in double-doubles (8).

The Dutch are 10-6 overall and 4-3 in conference play. Central heads to Decorah for a contest with Luther College Wednesday.