Cousins, Wall named Naismith Trophy midseason candidates

The awards continue to roll in for UK freshmen DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall.

The two super rookies were named Naismith Trophy midseason candidates. The top 30 midseason men’s list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists from around the country, according to a news release. The board based its criteria on player performances this season.

Cousins is averaging 16.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, and has scored in double figures in 18 of UK’s last 19 games. Wall leads the Cats in scoring and assists with 16.8 points and 6.3 assists per game.

The Naismith Trophy is considered the most prestigious men’s basketball award, similar to the Heisman Trophy in college football, and is presented to the men’s college basketball player of the year.

Cousins and Wall were two of only three freshmen named to the list. The third being Jacob Pullen of No. 6 Kansas State.

South Carolina guard Devan Downey and Mississippi State center Jarvis Varnado were the only two other candidates from the Southeastern Conference named to the prestigious list.

Downey and the Gamecocks will visit Rupp Arena Thursday night.