SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Detroit sophomore guard Ray McCallum is among the 20 finalists for the 2012 Bob Cousy Award, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced.
The annual honor, named for Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic Bob Cousy, recognizes the top point guards in college basketball. An original list of 60-plus candidates was trimmed by a Hall of Fame appointed, nationally-based committee to the below list of 20 student-athletes.
The 2011 Horizon League Preseason Player of the Year, McCallum is averaging 14.6 points per game through 16 games this year, contributing 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest. Prior to the beginning of his sophomore season, McCallum earned a spot on USA Basketball's World University Games roster.
Milwaukee point guard Kaylon Williams, who leads the Horizon League with 6.2 assists per game, did not advance in the narrowing of the initial list.
“This list of 20 candidates consists of college basketball's elite point guards,” said John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “Through the first few months of the season, these floor generals have demonstrated incredible leadership, court vision and toughness that epitomizes the legacy of Mr. Cousy.”
“The talent level among our 20 finalists demonstrates the competitiveness at the point guard position in college basketball this year,” said Ken Kauffman, Chair of the 2012 Bob Cousy Award. “As we move through the next rounds to our final award-winner, it will clearly be a difficult decision to select one player from this elite group.”
The current listing of 20 finalists for the 2012 Bob Cousy Award will be narrowed down to 10 players in early February and then down five players by early March. The final five players in contention for the award will be presented to Mr. Cousy and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. This Hall of Fame committee is made up of top college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, Sports Information Directors and Hall of Famers. The winner of the 2012 Bob Cousy Award will be awarded at the Hall of Fame's Class Announcement on Monday April 2nd in New Orleans as part of NCAA Final Four weekend.
Previous winners of the Bob Cousy Award have included Jameer Nelson (St. Joseph's), Raymond Felton (North Carolina), Dee Brown (Illinois), Acie Law (Texas A & M), DJ Augustin (Texas), Ty Lawson (North Carolina), Greivis Vasquez (Maryland) and last year's recipient Kemba Walker (Connecticut). Former Cleveland State standout Norris Cole was among the three finalists for the 2011 Cousy Award.
For more information on the 2012 Bob Cousy, log onto www.CousyAward.com.
2012 Bob Cousy Award 20 Finalists
Pierre Jackson, Baylor
Shabazz Napier, UConn
Ray McCallum, Detroit
Seth Curry, Duke
Erving Walker, Florida
Scott Machado, Iona
Casper Ware, Long Beach State
Peyton Silva, Louisville
Trey Burke, Michigan
Dee Bost, Mississippi State
Phil Pressey, Missouri
Kendall Marshall, North Carolina
Aaron Craft, Ohio State
D.J. Cooper, Ohio
Zack Rosen, Pennsylvania
Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh
Scoop Jardine, Syracuse
Damian Lillard, Weber State
Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin
Tu Holloway, Xavier
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