NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State men's basketball guard Jaylani Darden has been named a finalist for College Insider's 2024-25 Nolan Richardson Award, presented annually to a Division I basketball player who is the heart and soul of his team and a leader on and off the court.
 
The Nolan Richardson award is named in honor of one of the true legends of the game. His frenetic style of fast-break basketball, with full-court pressure, helped him become the only coach to win NJCCA, NIT and NCAA National Championships.

In 17 seasons at Arkansas, Richardson led the Razorbacks to 9 conference championships, 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, three Final Fours and the 1994 NCAA Championship. His famed "40 Minutes of Hell" produced over 500 career wins.
 
Darden has become a consistent member of the Spartans' starting lineup, averaging 6.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. One of the conference's top defenders, he ranks fourth in the MEAC with 1.4 steals per game.
 
The recipient of the award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which consists of current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members of collegeinsider.com.

The 2025 award will be announced in San Antonio, TX, site of the men's Division I Basketball Championship.
 
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