-University of Memphis
MEMPHIS – The Los Angeles Athletic Club released the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 list Tuesday and University of Memphis sophomore Will Barton was among those listed.
Barton is averaging 18.2 ppg, which leads Conference USA, and 9.0 rpg, sixth in C-USA. The 6-foot-6 guard from Baltimore, Md., has recorded nine double-doubles on the season, ranking 14th in the nation, and has posted eight scoring outputs of at least 20 points. Barton’s performance this season has helped Memphis to a record of 12-5 (3-0 C-USA).
The John R. Wooden Award is named after the late John Wooden, a Hall of Fame player, coach and teacher. To be eligible for the award, a player must demonstrate they are making progress toward graduation and maintain a minimum-cumulative GPA of 2.0. Prior winners of the award include Larry Bird (’79), Michael Jordan (’84), Tim Duncan (’97) and last season’s winner Jimmer Fredette.
The National Ballot, which consists of approximately 20 players, will be distributed in March. Winner of this year’s John R. Wooden Award will be announced at the Final Four in New Orleans, La.
