2011-12 John Wooden Award Favorites and Contenders – Top 5 Preseason Candidates to Win College Basketball’s Top Individual Honor: Last season, BYU guard Jimmer Fredette lit up opposing defenses on his way to winning the Wooden Award. The scoring machine is now awaiting life in the NBA, meaning a new face will win this year’s award. The NBA lockout has caused plenty of big name players to stay in school an additional year, and the level of talent in the college game is as high as it has been in several years. The winner of this year’s Wooden Award will truly have to earn it.
Preseason List of top 5 Favorites to Win 2011-2012 John Wooden Award
- Jared Sullinger, Power Forward, Ohio State
Sullinger had an incredible freshman season for the Buckeyes, averaging a double-double and connecting on nearly 55 percent of his shots. He was the centerpiece of the Ohio State offense and was an absolute force in the paint. There were times when the Buckeyesimply threw the ball into Sullinger, and he took care of the rest. While he could use some work as a shot blocker, he rebounds as good as anyone in the country. As the featured scorer on a team that should be near the top of the rankings all year, Sullinger is a frontrunner for the Wooden Award.
- Harrison Barnes, Forward, North Carolina
Despite struggling early last season amid the ridiculous expectations that were put on his shoulders, Barnes rebounded to have a solid freshman season. He averaged more than 15 points and five rebounds a game, and he his game expanded as the year went on. Barnes has a freakish combination of size and speed, and he has the ability to create his own shot and get to the foul line. If his 3-point shot continues to improve as it did at the end of last season, Barnes will be next to unstoppable on the offensive end. As the star player on the top team in the nation to open the year, he will have every opportunity to win the Wooden Award.
- Terrence Jones, Forward, Kentucky
As a freshman for the Wildcats last season, Jones did a little bit of everything. He averaged almost 16 points and nine rebounds, along with nearly two blocks and more than a steal per game. His versatility is his strength and as one of the more experienced players for Kentucky this year, his numbers should only increase. Jones needs to develop more of a killer instinct and take over at the end of games, but he has more than enough talent to stuff the stat sheet and put himself in the make for top honors.
- Perry Jones III, Power Forward, Baylor
Perhaps no player in the country has more raw talent than Jones. He averaged 14 points and more than seven rebounds last season, and he did so despite appearing disinterested at times. Jones is tall, fast and can jump out of the gym. Not to mention the fact that he is an above average ball handler for a big man. Assuming he matures in his sophomore season, Jones should be a double-machine and a human highlight reel. Focus issues aside, he has more than enough talent to win the Wooden Award.
- Jordan Taylor, Point Guard, Wisconsin Badgers
Taylor earned a reputation as a clutch scorer during an incredible comeback win for Wisconsin against Ohio State last season. Overall, he averaged more than 18 points per game, along with 4.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds. Taylor is also a lockdown defender at the point guard spot. As the main playmaker in the Badgers’ conservative, defensive-oriented system, Taylor will have plenty of opportunities to hit big shots. His ability to be a star on both ends of the court could earn him a few extra votes as well.
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