Here is the first of what will be a weekly look at strong candidates for the John R. Wooden Award:
Jeremy Lamb (6-6/Soph/Connecticut)
Frank Says: Not quite two weeks into the season, he’s the most complete player I’ve seen (in person or on TV). There isn’t a more complete perimeter-oriented player in the country and he’s a significant reason why the Huskies can win a second consecutive national title. He’ll be strongly in the hunt to be the first player chosen in the next NBA Draft.
John Henson (6-10/Junior/North Carolina)
Frank Says: He’s one of four Tar Heels likely to find their way into the Top Five at some point this season. But Henson’s performance against Michigan State on the USS Carl Vinson – 12 points, seven rebounds and nine blocked shots – gives him the initial nod.
Doron Lamb (6-4/Sophomore/Kentucky)
Frank Says: Like the Tar Heels, there will be a bunch of Wildcats on this list at one point or another this season. Thirty-two points (including six of 10 shooting behind the arc), nine assists and nine rebounds, with just one turnover, in the games with Marist and Kansas put Lamb on the first list.
Jared Sullinger (6-8/Sophomore/Ohio State)
Frank Says: He averaged 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds over his team’s first two games, including 16 points (on just eight shots), six rebounds and three assists in the seven-point win over Florida in Columbus.
Robbie Hummel (6-8/Senior/Purdue)
Frank Says: The lock for the Comeback Player of the Season after recovering from consecutive ACL surgeries. He has averaged 20.8 points over the Boilermakers’ first four games.
“Mid-major” players who have gotten off to strong starts: Casper Ware (5-10/Senior/Long Beach State); Doug McDermott (6-7/Sophomore/Creighton); Orlando Johnson (6-5/Senior/UC Santa Barbara).
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