Syracuse guard Michael Carter-Williams is among 50 players who were included on the early season watch list for the Naismith Trophy put together by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors. The list of candidates for the national player of the year award was based on the players’ performances last season in addition to expectations for the upcoming one.

Carter-Williams enters his sophomore season as a key part of Syracuse’s starting lineup after seeing limited time as a freshman. He played in 26 games last season, averaging 2.7 points and 2.1 assists in 10.3 minutes per game. After learning under Scoop Jardine, the highly touted recruit will play at both guard positions this year. Carter-Williams tied for a team-high 17 points to go with four assists and five steals in SU’s season-opening 62-49 victory over San Diego State on Sunday.

Kentucky and Louisville led the list with three players each. The Cardinals are the favorite to win the Big East entering the season, with the Orange widely considered their toughest competition.

The list will be trimmed to 30 players in February. And in March, four finalists will be announced. Kentucky’s Anthony Davis won the 2011-12 award before moving on to the NBA.