THE FLATS – Georgia Tech women’s basketball’s Lorela Cubaj was one of 25 selected to the John R. Wooden Midseason Top 25 Watch List as announced by the Los Angeles Athletic Club Wednesday night. Chosen by a poll of national college basketball experts based on their performances during the 2021-22 season thus far, the list comprises of 25 student-athletes who are front-runners for the sport’s most prestigious honor.
A Wooden Award Preseason Watch List candidate, Cubaj has dominated this season for the Yellow Jackets. The Italian native currently leads the Yellow Jackets, Atlantic Coast Conference and nation in rebounds per game, averaging 12.8. She has amassed 167 rebounds thus far, placing her first in the ACC and second in the nation, while propelling her to own the all-time Georgia Tech women’s basketball rebounding record. With 1,076 career rebounds, Cubaj is one of six active Division I women’s basketball players to own 1,000-plus career rebounds, and currently sits third in the nation in career rebounds.
Helping Georgia Tech to a 10-3 overall record thus far, Cubaj has recorded six double-doubles on the season. She also leads the Yellow Jackets in assists with 63 for a 4.8 assists per game average, making her the only post player in the ACC to lead their team in assists. Cubaj has secured double-figure rebounds in 10 games this year and has led the Jackets on the boards in 11 outings. She has started all 13 games for Georgia Tech and is averaging 8.7 points per game.
Cubaj is one of four players representing the ACC on the midseason watch list. She is joined by NC State’s Elissa Cunane, Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Kitley and Notre Dame’s Maddy Westbeld.
The Wooden Award committee will announce a late season list before the National Ballot of 15 players will be released and voted upon during the NCAA Tournament. The Wooden Award All American Team will be announced the week of the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight round. The winner of the 2022 John R. Wooden Award will be presented by Wendy’s following the NCAA Tournament in April.
Georgia Tech returns to the hardwood on Sunday, Jan. 9 hosting Virginia in McCamish Pavilion. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m. on ACC Network.
Alexander-Tharpe Fund
The Alexander-Tharpe Fund is the fundraising arm of Georgia Tech athletics, providing scholarship, operations and facilities support for Georgia Tech’s 400-plus student-athletes. Be a part of developing Georgia Tech’s Everyday Champions and helping the Yellow Jackets compete for championships at the highest levels of college athletics by supporting the Annual Athletic Scholarship Fund, which directly provides scholarships for Georgia Tech student-athletes. To learn more about supporting the Yellow Jackets, visit atfund.org.
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