Katona Secures Spot on the 2025 Bevo Francis Award Contender List

Fifth-year senior Charlie Katona has been selected for Small College Basketball’s Top 100 watchlist for the 2024-25 Bevo Francis Award this morning.

This marks the Bulldogs’ second player nomination for the accolade in consecutive years after former guard Drew Blair was nominated for the award last season.

The Clarence “Bevo” Francis Award is awarded annually to the player who has the most impressive season in Small College Basketball, considering seasonal statistics, personal achievements, character, and team successes. This commendation recognizes some of the leading players from Division II, Division III, NAIA, USCAA, and NCCAA basketball.

As the reigning NSIC Defensive Player of the Year, Charlie Katona is currently leading the Bulldogs in total points (245), total rebounds (103), and steals (23) this season while shooting 92-182 (50.5%) from the field. Katona continues to solidify his position in the Bulldog record books, presently holding the eighth spot on the career scoring list with a total of 1644 career points.

Small College Basketball will narrow the watchlist to the Top 50 on February 15, and the Top 25 on March 15. Finalists and the overall victor will be announced in early April. 

Katona and Bulldog men’s basketball will be back at Romano Gymnasium this weekend to conclude their three-game homestand against Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston. Tip-off against the Beavers is currently scheduled for Friday, Jan. 17, at 5:30 PM.