Minot State University (MSU) junior forward Caleb Van De Griend continues to lead the way for the Minot State men’s basketball team and continues to be recognized as one of the best players in all non-NCAA Division I college basketball.

Named to the Clarence “Bevo” Francis Award Top 100 Watch List last month, Van De Griend moved into an even more elite group as he was named to the Bevo Francis Top 50 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 III, 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 once again to the Top 25 on March 15, the Finalists for the award will be announced on April 5, and the Bevo Francis Award itself will be presented on April 7.

A three-time Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Player of the Week this season, Van De Griend has 23 double-doubles on the season and is averaging team-bests of 20.4 points and 13.1 rebounds per game while also shooting 72.0 percent from the field (234-of-325), which is 3rd-highest in the nation. Van De Griend leads the NSIC in rebounding and is second in scoring.

Van De Griend is one of two NSIC players on the Top 50 Watch List for the Bevo Francis Award and is joined by Concordia, St. Paul senior guard Antwan Kimmons who leads the NSIC in scoring (24.7).

Van De Griend and the Beavers return home to close out the regular season by hosting Augustana on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the MSU Dome and Wayne State on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 1:30 p.m. at the MSU Dome.