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March 01, 2007

Afflalo award candidate

The United States Basketball Writers Association has named six finalists, including UCLA junior Arron Afflalo, for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, given to the nation's player of the year.


The list of six players includes Wisconsin senior forward Alando Tucker, Afflalo, Florida junior forward Joakim Noah, North Carolina sophomore forward Tyler Hansbrough and freshmen Kevin Durant of Texas and Greg Oden of Ohio State

Afflalo, a 6-foot-5 guard, is second in the Pacific-10 with 17.5 points per game and has scored in double figures in 27 straight contests. He is also a lockdown defender.

Durant, a 6-foot-9 swingman, is fifth in the nation in scoring (24.7) and fourth in rebounding (11.3). Among his highlights are a 37-point performance in a double-overtime loss to Oklahoma State and a 37-point, 23-rebound game against Texas Tech. He has 17 double-doubles and seven 30-point games this season.

Hansbrough, the 2006 USBWA Freshman of the Year, is third in the ACC in scoring (18.7) and has averaged 7.6 rebounds per game. The 6-9 sophomore is shooting 53.0 percent from the field.

Noah, who helped lead the Gators to a national title a year ago, is averaging 12.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. while shooting 61.6 percent from the field.

The 7-foot Oden, who averages 15.3 points and 9.5 rebounds, has led the Buckeyes to a No. 1 ranking despite wrist surgery that delayed his debut until Dec. 12. He leads the Big Ten in rebounding, field goal percentage (60.9) and blocks (3.5).

Tucker, who averages 19.9 points (2nd in the Big Ten) and 5.4 rebounds, has been the best player on one of the nation's best teams. The Badgers have set a school record with 26 wins with the 6-6 forward leading the way.

Following is the complete list of 2007 Oscar Robertson Trophy finalists: 2007 OSCAR ROBERTSON TROPHY FINALISTS
Player, SchoolPos.Ht.Wt.Cl.Hometown
Arron Afflalo, UCLAG6-5215Jr.Compton, Calif.
Kevin Durant, TexasG/F6-9225Fr.Suitland, Md.
Tyler Hansbrough, North CarolinaF6-9245So.Poplar Bluff, Mo.
Joakim Noah, FloridaF6-11230Jr.New York, N.Y.
Greg Oden, Ohio StateC7-0280Fr.Indianapolis. Ind.
Alando Tucker, WisconsinF6-6205Sr.Lockport, Ill.


The Oscar Robertson Trophy, named after whom many consider the greatest college basketball player ever, is selected in voting by members of the USBWA. Established in 1959, it is the nation's oldest college basketball player of the year award. The USBWA named the award for Robertson in 1998.

Robertson was a three-time player of the year from 1958-60 at the University of Cincinnati and was the first player in NCAA history to lead the nation in scoring for three straight seasons.

In 2005, world-renowned St. Louis sculptor Harry Weber was commissioned to produce an 18-inch bronze sculpture of Oscar Robertson in his famous spread-eagle pose.

A replica of the statue will be awarded to the player of the year at the USBWA's annual awards breakfast at Philips Arena in Atlanta on Friday, March 30.


Posted by Brian Dohn at March 1, 2007 01:11 PM

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Comments

I really don't understand why Noah continues to be listed among the best college players for this year. Last year, he clearly was deserving. This year, however, he isn't even the best player on his own team.

Also, Nick Fazekas should be a finalist in every single post-season award for which he is eligible. If he isn't, it's a shame.

Posted by: Shane at March 1, 2007 01:55 PM

Good for him. He is a good kid...even if he is a Bruin! And as a Trojan I can't wait to see him graduate!

Posted by: JJH4USC [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 2, 2007 12:45 PM

I am tired of people hating on Joakim. It amazes me how when Florida is winning everyone is cheering, but when they lose a few games everyone is questioning their abilities. Joakim is singled out more than anyother of his teammates; he has millions of hate blogs online about him and considering the presure he is under, he is doing well. Florida will stay true to form, regroup and will make a run in the NCAA tournament.

Posted by: Whitney at March 3, 2007 10:42 PM

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