Wooden Award Watch: Week 1

Story posted November 15, 2018 in CommRadio, Sports by David Saggio

The Wooden Award is the premier personal accolade for any college basketball player to
receive. Essentially, college basketball’s version of the Heisman trophy, the Wooden award is
only given to the best of the best in all of college basketball.

This season, there are plenty of players who are in heavy consideration for the award, ranging
from seasoned seniors who are on their last rodeo to young freshmen who are youthful and
tenacious. However, a few stand above all others in terms of the Wooden award. Without
further ado, here is your Wooden Award watchlist:

Senior forward Caleb Martin - Nevada

Caleb Martin sprung into the spotlight last season after a dazzling tournament performance
combined with amazing regular season play. Martin was able to lead the Nevada Wolf Pack to a
top 25 ranking, a regular season Mountain West Title and a sweet 16 berth all while averaging
18 points per game on while shooting 50 percent from the field. Now, returning for his senior season alongside
twin brother Cody, Caleb is primed for one of the best seasons out of any seniors this year, as he
looks to lead the Wolfpack toward another tournament berth. With his high-scoring ability on
display every time he steps on the hardwood, Martin is a premier talent outside the power five
conferences.

Junior center Udoka Azubuike - Kanas

When seven feet of height combines with 270 pounds of pure muscle you get a tank; that tanks
name is Udoka Azubuike, and he is a force to be reckoned with. After bursting onto the scene a
year ago with a solid sophomore campaign, where he averaged 13 points per game to go along
with seven rebounds per game as well. Udoka is already bringing the rim rattling dunks and shot
stuffing ferocity back to Kansas this year. With 17 points against a ranked Michigan State to
open the season followed by a 23-point outing against Vermont in Kansas's second game, Azubuike is off to a hot
start and will look to build off it as Kansas advances further into the season.

Freshman Forward Zion Williamson - Duke

Zion Williamson may be a new face in NCAA basketball, but he was no stranger to the
spotlight coming into college. With his high-flying dunks, crafty layups and overall extreme
athleticism on display, Williamson has shined so far in his young college career. Averaging 25 points per game to start the season, including an absurd 28 points on 11-of-13 shooting in his first game against top-ranked Kentucky, Williamson is a clear-cut freshman favorite to win the
award. If the season were to end right now, Williamson would win the award based off hype alone.

Junior guard Carsen Edwards - Purdue

The top returning player in all of Big Ten basketball will attempt to stake his claim as one of college
basketball’s top players this season. Edwards is off to an excellent start in 2018, recording 30 points and 23

points in first two contests for the Boilermakers. After an extremely successful campaign a year
ago where he averaged 18 points per game and shot a dazzling 40.6 percent from the 3-point line, Edwards will look to
improve upon those numbers as he chugs on with Purdue.

 

 

David Saggio is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him email
davesag12@gmail.com.