March Madness 2014 VIDEO: First Look Event Update
Named after John Wooden, arguably the greatest coach in sports history, The Wooden Award is given to the top college basketball player each season. And every year, leading up to the award, we get to see separate ‘finalist’ lists released throughout the season as one, giant tease.
The Midseason Top 25 was released this week via the LA Athletic Club and the Wooden Award Advisory Board. The players on the list have not only been the most dominant D-1 players thus far, but also have had a 2.0 GPA — for those of you already confused, that’s a C average or above. Not difficult.
As per the Wooden Award website:
Creighton senior forward Doug McDermott, a Wooden Award All American in 2012 and 2013, looks to become the first three-time selection on the men’s side since North Carolina’s Tyler Hansbrough (2007-09). McDermott is the nation’s No. 2 scorer at 24.9 ppg (through Jan. 19), and averages 7.1 rebounds per game while shooting 50.2% from the field for the 16-3 Bluejays. He is the only returning Wooden All American this season.
Other Midseason Top 25 picks with impressive statistics of note include Kentucky’s Julius Randle, who ranks No. 10 nationally at 10.5 rebounds per game; and two of the nation’s top playmakers, Chaz Williams of Massachusetts (No. 3 in the nation in assists, 7.4 apg), and Kyle Anderson of UCLA (No. 10, 6.6 apg).
Five freshmen were chosen to the list: Tyler Ennis of Syracuse; Aaron Gordon of Arizona; Jabari Parker of Duke; Randle of Kentucky; and Andrew Wiggins of Kansas.
Ya, McDermott is one of the best players in the country and one of the most dominant scorers we’ve seen since J.J. Reddick. He’s one of the favorites heading into March. Expect his Creighton Jays to go far in the tourney.
The Top 15 will be announce March 8, just before the NCAA Tournament. Players who did not make the Top 25 this week are still eligible to make the Top 15.
The Top 25 Finalists are below. This list is notable; whomever wins the Wooden Award takes their team very deep into the tournament nearly every year. Remember these names and their respective teams when filling out your bracket:
Kyle Anderson G/F UCLA
Keith Appling G Michigan St.
Cameron Bairstow F N. Mexico
Jordan Clarkson G Missouri
Aaron Craft G Ohio State
Sam Dekker F Wisconsin
Cleanthony Early F Wichita St.
Tyler Ennis G Syracuse
C.J. Fair F Syracuse
Aaron Gordon F Arizona
Rodney Hood F Duke
Nick Johnson G Arizona
DeAndre Kane G Iowa St.
Doug McDermott F Creighton
Shabazz Napier G Connecticut
Jabari Parker F Duke
Adreian Payne C Michigan St.
Casey Prather F Florida
Julius Randle F Kentucky
Marcus Smart G Okla. St.
Russ Smith G Louisville
T.J. Warren F N.C. State
Andrew Wiggins G Kansas
Chaz Williams G UMass
Joseph Young G Oregon
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him @JHelmuth or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
