HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Jalen Tate has been named to the Lou Henson Award Preseason Watch List, marking the third-straight season Northern Kentucky University has had recognition on the award's preseason list. The Lou Henson Award, named for the former Illinois and New Mexico State head coach, is presented annually to the nation's best mid-major player.
 
Entering his junior season of competition, Tate has continually improved his game year after year.  The native Pickerington, Ohio, is a two-time Horizon League All-Defensive Team honoree. He was also named to the All-Horizon League Preseason First Team this season, following a nod to the preseason second team a year ago.
 
After earning distinction due to his defensive efforts as a freshman, Tate made big strides on the offensive end last year. He averaged 13.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. The 6-6 guard also shot 53.9 percent from the field, good for 54^th in the country.
 
In the Horizon League Championship game, Tate led the Norse with 17 points behind 7-for-10 shooting. He added five boards, four assists, two blocks and a steal in the contest, which sent Northern Kentucky to its second NCAA Tournament appearance courtesy of the team's second league tournament title in the last three years. Tate was rewarded with a spot on the Horizon League All-Tournament Team.
 
Next up for Northern Kentucky is a primetime showdown at Missouri on Friday, November 8. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. The Norse won their season opener 105-55 against UC Clermont on Tuesday.
 
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