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.

Van De Griend moved into an elite group as he was named to the “Bevo” Francis Award Top 25 Watch List on Saturday, March 15.

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 Finalists for the award will be announced on April 5, and the Bevo Francis Award itself will be presented on April 7.

Van De Griend set single-season school records for points with 724, and counting, and rebounds with 458, and counting, this season as he helped lead Minot State to a program-record 26 wins, and counting, and helped lead the Beavers to a first-ever NCAA National Tournament berth.

A four-time Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Player of the Week, he also set a single-game record with 22 rebounds against Winona State on January 3, and he leads the nation in rebounds per game (13.1 rpg) and is 4th in field-goal percentage (70.53), and was 2nd in the NSIC in points per game (20.7).

Concordia, St. Paul is led by senior guard Antwan Kimmons who led the NSIC in scoring (25.0) and is the only other NSIC player on the Bevo Francis Award Top 25 Watch List.