University of Connecticut Athletics
Walker Announced As Finalist For Naismith Award
3/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 20, 2011
STORRS, Conn. - It was announced today by the Atlanta Tipoff Club that UConn junior guard Kemba Walker has been named one of four finalists for the Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Award. Walker joins Jimmer Fredette (BYU), Nolan Smith (Duke) and Jared Sullinger (Ohio State).
Beginning today, AT&T wireless customers -- and sports fans on other wireless networks -- will be able to text their votes for the player of their choice by texting VOTE to 345345. Fans will be eligible to cast their vote for the winner until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 2, 2011. AT&T is making the voting open to other wireless carriers, allowing even more fans to participate. Other wireless carriers must opt-in for their subscribers to participate. Standard messaging rates apply. Fans are allowed one vote per 24-hour period.
Walker is in the midst of a record-breaking season for the Huskies. The Bronx native is one of only three players in the nation to average over 20 points, five rebounds and four assists per game.
On the season, Walker is averaging 23.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He most recently set a new UConn single-season record with 875 points in his junior campaign.
Walker led UConn to the BIG EAST Tournament Championship, winning five games in five days while setting a new BIG EAST Tournament record with 130 points. Walker was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
The Huskies (28-9) earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and have advanced to the Sweet 16 with victories over No. 14 Bucknell and No. 6 Cincinnati. Against Bucknell, Walker notched a near triple-double with 18 points, a career-high 12 assists and eight rebounds. He turned around and set a new UConn record with his 10th 30-point performance against Cincinnati with 33 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Walker has been sensational in UConn's seven postseason games. During that stretch, he's averaged 25.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 89-percent from the line.
The First Team All-BIG EAST selection was previously named the U.S. Basketball Writers District 1 Player of the Year and a USBWA All-American. Walker is a finalist for several of the other major awards including the Wooden Award, the Oscar Robertson Trophy and the Bob Cousy Award presented to the nation's top point guard.
Walker will lead No. 3 UConn against No. 2 San Diego State in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 24 in Anaheim, Calif. Tipoff is set for 7:15 p.m. ET on CBS.
