Northwest Notes Nov. 1, 2024

WSU to play in 2025 Maui Invitational

Washington State is among the eight-team field for the 2025 Maui Invitational men's basketball tournament, scheduled for Nov. 24-26, 2025 at the Lahaina Civic Center, it was announced Thursday.

WSU will join Arizona State, North Carolina State, Seton Hall, Texas, UNLV, USC and host Chaminade at the 42nd annual tourney.

The Cougars will compete in the Maui Invitational for the first time in program history. WSU’s men’s team has played in seven previous tournaments in the Hawaiian Islands, all in Honolulu on Oahu. Most recently the Cougs finished fourth in the 2022 Diamond Head Classic. 

Fan packages and tickets for the 2025 event will go on sale at the beginning of next year.

Information: wsucougars.com

Zags' Ike named to Karl Malone Award Watch List

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Gonzaga's Graham Ike was named to the Karl Malone Award Watch List, which recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men's basketball. 

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 20 watch-list candidates Thursday.

Ike led the West Coast Conference in scoring during league play at 18.4 points per game at a WCC-best 64 percent shooting from the field. He scored 20 or more in 11 of the 16 WCC games, including the last seven contests. The redshirt senior was third in the conference averaging 16.5 points per games overall at 60.9 percent from the field. Ike was fifth in the league with 7.4 rebounds per game.

Zags' Ejim named to Katrina McClain Award Watch List

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Gonzaga's Yvonne Ejim is one of 20 players in the country that has been named to the 2025 Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year Award watch list. 

The award recognizes the top power forwards in women's NCAA Division I basketball. 

Ejim was a finalist for the award last season.