Christian Watford’s shot to beat Kentucky last December has been nominated for an ESPY award, according to the following release by IU media relations:
Indiana forward Christian Watford’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer against then-No. 1 Kentucky is one of 16 ESPY nominees for Best Play.
“I’m very glad to be representing the University, said Watford. “It was a great moment for me. My teammates did the job of getting me there. Verdell (Jones III) found me with the pass and Cody (Zeller) set a great screen.”
The 20th ESPYS are LIVE on Wednesday, July 11th at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles with host Rob Riggle. The event is the one night where the sports world joins together to celebrate the best moments of the year. The ESPYS and related events benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research in memory of the late Jim Valvano.
Best Play is a bracket-style vote, with the top 16 seeds cut down to the final 8 on Tuesday, July 3rd. The final 4 will be revealed on Monday, July 9th. Voting will remain open through the ESPYS Countdown Show and will close when the show begins at 9PM/ET on July 11th.
Fans may select the Best Play beginning Friday by voting online at ESPN.com/ESPYS.
Earlier this year, Watford’s shot was named the National College Basketball Play of the Year by GEICO.
Down two to Kentucky with no timeouts and less than six seconds to play, Indiana’s Verdell Jones III took the inbounds pass from Watford and sprinted up the court. Jones III dribbled inside the 3-point line, spun in front of his defender and kicked the ball out to the open trailer, Watford. Watford launched a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded and hit nothing but net. Indiana’s Assembly Hall erupted as a sea of red stormed the court in celebration of the Hoosiers 73-72 win over the top-ranked Wildcats.
“It would be a great honor to get to go,” said Watford. “Hopefully the fans can step up and help with the voting.”
Filed to: Christian Watford