Beavers fans and foes already know the impact junior forward Caleb Van De Griend has on the court for the Minot State University (MSU)men’s basketball team, and now he’s getting national attention for his play.

Small College Basketball has named Van De Griend to the Clarence “Bevo” Francis Award top 100 Watch List.

The Bevo Francis Award is presented annually to the player who has had the finest overall season within Small College Basketball – teams playing at the NCAA Division II, Division II, NAIA, USCAA, and NCCAA levels.

Award criteria used to determine the award winner include season statistics and individual achievements, awards, personal character, and team achievements. Given to only one player each year, the award is in essence the MVP of all small college basketball.

The Watch List will be narrowed to the Top 50 on Feb. 15, to the Top 25 on March 15, the Finalists will be announced on April 5, and the Bevo Francis Award presented on April 7.

Already a two-time Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Player of the Week this season, Van De Griend has 15 double-doubles on the season and is averaging team-bests of 18.8 points and 12.9 rebounds per game while also shooting 73.9 percent from the field (147-of-199), which leads the nation.

His play helped the 14th-ranked Beavers (17-2 overall, 8-2 NSIC) open the season with a 17-game win streak and climb to No. 4 in the nation, the program’s highest-ever national ranking.

Van De Griend and the Beavers are in action on the road this weekend as they played at Wayne State on Friday and at Augustana on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 3:30 p.m.