Pearson named to Lou Henson Preseason Watch List

Senior guard Nijal Pearson was added to the Preseason Lou Henson Award Watch List, Texas State announced on Friday.

The award, named after former long-time Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lou Henson, is presented annually to the top NCAA Division I mid-major player.

Pearson averaged 16.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game last season. He was named Lou Henson Mid-Major Player of the Week on Dec. 3, 2018 and was added to the Mid-Season Watch List. He was also named to the 2019 Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team last week.

The senior from Beaumont began the 2019-20 season on a strong note, sinking his first seven shots in a 103-45 win over Texas Lutheran on Tuesday inside Strahan Arena. Pearson finished with 19 points on 8-11 shooting, three assists and two rebounds.

Pearson and the Bobcats (1-0) will face Air Force (0-1) in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Saturday at 3 p.m.