SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Antwainette Walker has been tabbed to the 2023 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Mid-Season Top 10 List, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced on Tuesday afternoon.
 
Walker is one of 10 players to be named to the mid-season list for the top shooting guards in women's college basketball.
 
"Antwainette has brought a lot of energy to our program, she's one of the best mid-range shooters in the country, and clearly one of the best guards in the country," said EKU head coach Greg Todd. "She's continuing to work on her all-around game, terrific scorer, shoots over 50 percent from the floor, and we are excited for her to develop her game in the maroon and white. Antwainette is one of the leaders of our team and very deserving to be on this list."
 
In her first season at EKU, Walker has made an immediate impact on the program and the ASUN Conference, leading the league in over 10 statistical categories. Through Feb. 2, Walker averages 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 2.5 assists per game, her points and rebound values sit among the top-25 players in the NCAA.
 
Walker has recorded 20 consecutive games in double-figure scoring, including 11 double-doubles. The Lisle, Ill. product has tallied seven games with 25-or-more points, notching her career-high 29 points against Evansville and 17 rebounds in a win over Midway.
 
Through 20 games, Antwainette has scored 420 points and shoots over 50 percent from the floor.
 
"I think it's fitting that Antwainette is up for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award. She's a stat stuffer who competes at the highest level," said EKU assistant coach Coretta Brown. "I'm more impressed with her professional mindset, how hard she works, and they way she handles business. Antwainette is one heck of a player, but an even more impressive person. We are extremely proud of her."
 
Fans can support their favorite players in the remaining rounds by participating in Fan Voting, presented by Dell Technologies, starting Friday, February 3 on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.
 
In March, five finalists will be presented to Meyers Drysdale and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The Selection Committee for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award is composed of top women's college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers. 
 
The winner of the 2023 Meyers Drysdale Award will be presented on a to be determined date, along with the four other members of the Women's Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Nancy Lieberman Award (Point Guard), Cheryl Miller Award (Small Forward), the Katrina McClain Award (Power Forward) and the Lisa Leslie Award (Center), in addition to the Men's Starting Five. 
 
About Ann Meyers Drysdale
 
This award is named for UCLA Women's Basketball legend, Ann Meyers Drysdale. She was the first player, male or female, to earn All-America honors in four straight years (1975-78) and helped lead the Bruins to an AIAW National Championship in 1978. She was the first player drafted into the Women's Basketball League and became the first woman to try out with an NBA team, as she signed a free agent contract with the Indiana Pacers in 1980. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 and has had a successful career as an executive in the WNBA. She is currently a Vice President for the Phoenix Mercury and a commentator for the Phoenix Suns.
 
2023 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Candidates
 
Hailey Van Lith – Louisville
Taylor Mikesell – Ohio State
Zie Cooke – South Carolina
Ta'Niya Latson – Florida State
Keishana Washington – Drexel
Diamond Miller – Maryland
Charlisse Leger-Walker – Washington State
Charisma Osborne – UCLA
Antwainette Walker – EKU
Gabby Gregory – Kansas State
 
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