2012 John Wooden Award Odds and Favorites – Top 5 Contenders to Win the 2012 John Wooden Award for the Nation’s Best College Basketball Player: With Selection Sunday only one week away, there are only a few players that have a legitimate chance to win this year’s Wooden Award. Conference play has a way of trimming down the field of contenders thanks to the added pressure and intensity that comes with rivalry games and weekly road tests. The regular season isn’t officially in the books, but at this point, the players that have played their way on to the short list of favorites are going to be fighting it out amongst themselves.
2012 John Wooden Award Odds, Favorites and Leading Contenders
- Thomas Robinson, Power Forward, Kansas Jayhawks
When factoring in both his production on the court and his value to the Jayhawks, it’s tough to argue against Robinson as the favorite to win the Wooden Award. He leads Kansas in scoring, averaging 17.8 points per game. He is also second in the country in rebounding and is the nation’s leading defensive rebounder. More importantly, the double-double machine is the Jayhawks’ only reliable post scorer, and he showed off his clutch gene in a thrilling comeback win against the third-ranked Missouri Tigers. Take him out of the lineup, and Kansas might not even make the NCAA tournament. Instead, he has powered Kansas to at least a share of its eighth straight Big 12 title and a likely No. 1 seed in March.
- Anthony Davis, Center, Kentucky Wildcats
There is little doubt that Davis is the most physically-gifted player in the country and the top NBA prospect. The freshman’s presence on the defensive end is second to none as well, and he is averaging a ridiculous 4.8 blocks per game. Davis has expanded his offensive game throughout the year, as well, developing some back-to-the-basket moves and a mid-range jumper. His dynamic presence has certainly helped Kentucky become the top-ranked team in the country, but the Wildcats are loaded with talent. Kentucky could probably still win a weak SEC without Davis, and while he can’t really control how much talent is around him, it is still something that will be considered when weighing the Wooden Award is handed out.
- Draymond Green, Forward, Michigan State
Green and the Spartans have both been climbing up the ladder lately. Michigan State is ranked sixth in the country, and after an upset win over Ohio State in Columbus, the Spartans are alone atop the Big Ten standings. Green has done it all for Michigan State this year, showcasing his incredible all-around skill. He is averaging 15.6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game to go along with 3.6 assists. In addition to his ability to both score and create shots for teammates out of the post, he shoots 40 percent from 3-point range and averages more than a steal and block per game. In short, Green does it all for the Spartans, and the ball is usually in his hands when his team needs a basket. He will have one last chance to stake his claim as the Wooden Award favorite when Michigan State meets Ohio State in the regular season finale.
- Doug McDermott, Forward, Creighton Blue Jays
He may be a freshman, but there is nothing inexperienced about McDermott’s scoring ability. He is fourth in the country in scoring this season, averaging 23.1 points per game. McDermott is not only a prolific scorer, but he is an efficient scorer, as well. He is shooting 60.7 percent from the field and 47.9 percent from beyond the arc. He is no slouch on the glass either, averaging 8.1 rebounds per game. Creighton is going to make the NCAA tournament this year, and McDermott’s firepower on the offensive end is a big reason why. Unfortunately for him, lighting up the Missouri Valley Conference doesn’t carry enough weight to allow him to overtake the candidates playing in major conferences.
- Kevin Jones, Small Forward, West Virginia Mountaineers
Jones is still the only player in the country averaging at least 20 points and at least 10 rebounds. At 52.2 percent shooting, he remains one of the more efficient scorers, as well. On a West Virginia team that starts or plays several freshman significant minutes, Jones is the one reliable experienced option. He isn’t shied away from his role either, taking and making several big shots throughout the year. Despite his impressive stat lines from Jones, the Mountaineers have struggled in close games, losing three games to ranked opponents by three points or less. The team’s mediocre record will likely keep him from being a true threat to win the Wooden Award.
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