Gillespie named top-five finalist for McClain Award
Special to the Outlook
Redshirt senior forward Kiah Gillespie has been recognized as a Top five finalist for the Katrina McClain Award, the Basketball Hall of Fame announced last Thursday. The award is given to the nation’s top power forward.
In addition to Gillespie, the other four finalists for the 2020 Katrina McClain Award are Lauren Cox (Baylor), Naz Hillmon (Michigan), Ruthy Hebard (Oregon) and Bella Alarie (Princeton).
“This season has been one of the best in women’s college basketball and these finalists have significantly contributed to the outstanding level of play,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We’re grateful for players like Ms. McClain who paved the path for today’s female athletes and we are thankful that she generously contributes her time and expertise to the selection process for the award bearing her name.”
The Selection Committee for the Katrina McClain Award is composed of top women’s college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers. Fans have had the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalists since last Friday when the Starting Five Fan Voting went live via www.hoophallawards.com.
FSU redshirt senior forward Kiah Gillespie has a chance to win the nation’s most prestigious honor for power forwards.
Photo by Mike Olivella
The winner of the 2020 Katrina McClain Power Forward Award will be presented at The College Basketball Awards presented by Wendy’s in Los Angeles, CA on April 10, along with the other four members of the Women’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award, the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard Award, the Cheryl Miller Small Forward Award and the Lisa Leslie Center Award, in addition to the Men’s Starting Five.
Gillespie became just the third Seminole to win multiple All-ACC First Team honors, being named to the team in 2020 after making it in her first year as a Seminole in 2019. The All-American has enjoyed another tremendous year, totaling nine 20-point games, 15 10-rebound games and 12 double-doubles in 2019-20.
The Meriden, Conn., native has put up some impressive numbers in FSU’s eight games against AP Top 25 opponents. She averaged 21.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 52.6 percent shooting (61-116) and 41.9 percent from downtown (18-43) in eight AP Top 25 games in 2019-20.
During conference play, Gillespie ranked in the Top 10 in scoring (15.6), rebounding (7.7), field goal percentage (44.2) and defensive rebounds (5.7) in 2019-20. In just 65 career games, she has 25 double-doubles at FSU to rank fourth in program history.
