Fredette a Cousy Award Finalist

MARCH 10, 2011 -- The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame today announced that BYU senior guard is among the final five candidates in consideration for the 2011 Bob Cousy Award. This annual award is given to college basketball’s top point guard and is named after Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtics guard Bob Cousy. An original list of 70 plus candidates made up of players from around the country was trimmed by a Hall of Fame appointed, nationally based committee to 20, down to 10 and now five candidates remain in consideration for one of college basketball’s most prestigious awards.

Fredette leads the nation in scoring at 27.9 points per game and adds 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He led the Cougars to a 28-3 record in the regular season, a share of the Mountain West Conference regular season title at 14-2 and a top 10 ranking for the past eight weeks.

“These final five players have truly separated themselves from the rest of the pack in college basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “The Cousy Award screening committee has worked hard to narrow the field down and we look forward to recognizing a winner that represents Bob Cousy’s passion and skill for the game.”

“Mr. Cousy’s vision for the award is well represented with these final five candidates,” said Ken Kaufman, Chairman of the 2011 Bob Cousy Award and past NABC President. “These players represent the elite in college basketball at the point guard position and all would be fine recipients of the award. We look forward to meeting this year’s winner in Houston over Final Four weekend.”

Each of the final five candidates will be reviewed by the Hall of Fame’s Blue Ribbon Selection Committee, chaired by former NABC President and Hall of Fame Trustee Ken Kaufman. The Blue Ribbon Selection 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 2011 Bob Cousy Award will be announced on April 1 with the award presentation coming at the Final Four on Monday April 4 as part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Class Announcement.

2011 Bob Cousy Award – Final Five

Norris Cole, Cleveland State

Jimmer Fredette, BYU

Nolan Smith, Duke

Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin

Kemba Walker, Connecticut

About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate, men and women. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website at www.hoophall.com or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA