College Basketball 2010-11 Predictions: 25 Players on the Wooden Watch List

Call it the year of the upperclassmen.

Twenty-one of the 25 members on this early-season Wooden watch list are either juniors or seniors.

What does this mean for college basketball? A more polished, yet still talented, group of athletes who should make March and April the most intriguing two months on the sports calendar.

Oddly enough, however, the top candidate just might be Duke freshman Kyrie Irving, who has so far outperformed senior teammates Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith one month into the 2010-2011 campaign.

Of course, much could change between now and March: players could move on to or off of this list; conference games could highlight (or "lowlight") non-conference successes; and injuries could scramble the watch list.

But, as of December 2010, the following 25 players lead the nation in the chase for Wooden.

Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - MARCH 13: Malcolm Delaney #23 of the Virginia Tech Hokies dribbles against the North Carolina Tar Heels during day two of the 2009 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament on March 13, 2009 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Co

Vitals

• Height: 6'3"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: NR

Statistics

• 19.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 89% FT, 42% 3P

Résumé

Malcolm Delaney, an All-ACC performer and the league's leading scorer in 2009-2010, sometimes receives little attention in a conference dominated by high-profile players (most of whom happen to reside in the state of North Carolina). 

Nonetheless, the 6'3" senior is an assassin...and VaTech's best chance to jump to the NCAA tournament a season after bowing out in the NIT quarterfinals.

Wooden Award Odds

LOW/MEDIUM: Voters like tradition and success, and the Hokies are a solid sometimes-NIT, sometimes-NCAA program. Will that be enough to shine the spotlight on Delaney?

LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

HOUSTON - MARCH 28: LaceDarius Dunn #24 of the Baylor Bears encourages the crowd against the Duke Blue Devils during the south regional final of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Reliant Stadium on March 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas. Duke defeate

Vitals

• Height: 6'4"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 9

Statistics

• 22.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.3 ST, 53% FG, 52% 3P

Résumé

Much thanks is due to LaceDarius Dunn for Baylor's new-found relevance on the college hoops landscape.

Dunn, a favorite for Big 12 POY along with K-State's Jacob Pullen, Kansas' Marcus Morris and Texas' Jordan Hamilton, could lead the No. 9 Bears beyond last season's Elite 8 appearance...and secure a Wooden Award in the process.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: A POY from Baylor is a tough sell, but Dunn's numbers will be hard to ignore come March.

Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

OKLAHOMA CITY - MARCH 20: Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Brigham Young Cougars drives for a shot attempt against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Ford Center on March 20, 2010 in Oklahoma City,

Vitals

• Height: 6'2"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 21

Statistics

• 22.3 PPG, 4.1 APG, 2 ST, 2.1 A-TO, 86% FT, 35% 3P

Résumé

Jimmer Fredette has BYU ranked No. 21 and zeroing in on another 30-win season and NCAA bid.

With college basketball's talented crop of guards, Fredette won't win the Wooden. Still, there are few floor leaders in D-I as capable as the Cougar senior.

Wooden Award Odds

LOW: Excellent player, great numbers...but he plays for BYU.

Austin Freeman, Georgetown

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK - MARCH 12: Austin Freeman #15 of the Georgetown Hoyas goes up with the ball against Jimmy Butler #33 the Marquette Golden Eagles during the semifinal of the 2010 Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2010 in New York City. (

Vitals

• Height: 6'3"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 10

Statistics

• 20.1 PPG, 2 A-TO, 57% FG, 85% FT, 54% 3P

Résumé

Guard Austin Freeman has Georgetown ranked No. 10 and ready to contend in the Big East.

If Freeman continues his deadly shooting pace (57 percent field goals, 54 percent from three), the Hoyas could surpass league favorites Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Connecticut to rule as the beast of the Big East.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: Freeman is under the radar at this point. To gain votes, the Hoya senior needs to come up huge against the Big East's upper crust.

Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MILWAUKEE - MARCH 21: Ashton Gibbs #12 of the Pittsburgh Panthers shoots against the Xavier Musketeers during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Bradley Center on March 21, 2010 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonath

Vitals

• Height: 6'2"
• Year: JR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 3

Statistics

• 18.3 PPG, 3.1 APG, 84% FT, 46% 3P

Résumé

Pittsburgh's Ashton Gibbs averaged just four points per game two seasons ago.

Today, as No. 3 Pitt's stud, the junior guard puts up 18 a game and shoots 46 percent from the arc.

If Gibbs' numbers keep rising, the Panthers could fulfill many analysts' predictions and lead his team to the Final Four.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: Another under the radar guy. However, if Pitt stays in the top 10, national exposure for Gibbs will follow.

Steven Gray, Gonzaga

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 23: Stephen Gray #41 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs shoots a free throw during the CBE Classic consolation game against the Marquette Golden Eagles on November 23, 2010 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie S

Vitals

• Height: 6'5"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: NR

Statistics

• 20 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.1 APG, 2.4 ST, 44% 3P

Résumé

Many expected Gonzaga's Elias Harris or Robert Sacre to lead the Bulldogs, but it's been Steven Gray who's lugged the load in 2010-2011.

If Harris and Sacre step up their games to match Gray's, the Zags, currently unranked, could advance beyond the NCAA tournament's second round, which is where their 2009-2010 season ended.

Wooden Award Odds

LOW/MEDIUM: The newness of "upstart" Gonzaga has worn off. Moreover, don't expect a great deal of love for a West Coast Conference player.

Draymond Green, Michigan State

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Draymond Green #23 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball against the Butler Bulldogs during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship on April 3, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Vitals

• Height: 6'6"
• Year: JR
• Position: F
• Team Ranking: 8

Statistics

• 13.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.9 APG. 2 ST, 55% FG, 54% 3P

Résumé

Draymond Green, along with one of the country's best guard tandems in Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers, has Michigan State ripe for yet another Final Four run.

Green, a junior forward, is hitting more than 50 percent of his shots overall—and from three—and collecting nearly 10 boards a game.

If Lucas' and Summers' games meet Green's, Sparty could very well wrangle the crown away from the Dukies.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: A double-double performer on a championship contender lends itself to recognition. The potential problem: Lucas, Summers and Green splitting votes. Three top dogs on one team is good for wins and losses, but bad for individual awards.

Jordan Hamilton, Texas

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 19: Jordan Hamilton #3 of the Texas Longhorns drives to the basket against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the Championship game of the 2k Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 19, 2010 in New York, New York. (Photo by Ch

Vitals

• Height: 6'7"
• Year: SO
• Position: G-F
• Team Ranking: 25

Statistics

• 20.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 42% 3P

Résumé

A smooth sophomore, Jordan Hamilton has more than doubled his scoring output from 2009-2010.

Texas, ranked No. 25, needs such potent offense from Hamilton if it wants to compete with Kansas and Kansas State in the Big 12.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: It will be difficult enough to win POY in the Big 12, let alone the country. Nonetheless, Hamilton's numbers are Wooden worthy so far in 2010-2011.

Kyrie Irving, Duke

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

DURHAM, NC - DECEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #1 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Michigan State Spartans at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 1, 2010 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Vitals

• Height: 6'2"
• Year: FR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 1

Statistics

• 17.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.1 APG, 53% FG, 90% FT, 45% 3P

Résumé

If Kyrie Irving isn't college basketball's best player, he's awfully close; only UConn's Kemba Walker has performed at the same level this young season as the 6'2" frosh.

The Duke point guard, a likely one-and-done, is the premier player on the nation's best team and should be on the Wooden short list come March.

Don't be surprised if a POY for Irving and a Blue Devil repeat go hand-in-hand in 2010-2011.

Wooden Award Odds

HIGH: Awesome stats + championship contender + high-profile program = POY? Quite possibly. Would-be sticking point: Too much Devil talent might lead to fewer individual props. Regardless, no one can argue against Irving's ridiculous talent and court presence...Wooden or no Wooden.

Rick Jackson, Syracuse

Michael Heiman/Getty Images

NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Rick Jackson #00 of the Syracuse Orange handles the ball during the quarterfinal of the 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images)

Vitals

• Height: 6'9"
• Year: SR
• Position: F
• Team Ranking: 7

Statistics

• 13.1 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 57% FG

Résumé

Double zero is a man among boys in the paint.

Bruising senior Rick Jackson, who averages 13 and 12, is a true low-post threat who can score, rebound and bang.

No. 7 Syracuse looks strong early, and Jackson is very much responsible for the Orange's attractiveness in 2010-2011.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: Voters will love Jackson's double-digit rebound numbers, but 13 points per game might not be enough to merit first-place tallies.

JaJuan Johnson, Purdue

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SPOKANE - MARCH 21: JaJuan Johnson #25 of the Purdue Boilermakers shoots against David Loubeau #10 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Spokane Arena on March 21, 2010 in Spokane, Washington.

Vitals

• Height: 6'10"
• Year: SR
• Position: F-C
• Team Ranking: 18

Statistics

• 18.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.3 BL

Résumé

JaJuan Johnson is an inside force. Case closed.

The Purdue senior, who has improved each season in West Lafayette, is a consistent scorer and rebounder, plus a major defensive presence.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: Undoubtedly one of the best big men in the country, Johnson might run into the too-many-horses-in-one-stable conundrum (see: Michigan State, Duke); teammate E'Twaun Moore could garner POY votes as well.

Jon Leuer, Wisconsin

Doug Benc/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - MARCH 21: Jon Leuer #30 of the Cornell Big Red drives over Jon Jaques #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena on March 21, 2010 in Jacks

Vitals

• Height: 6'10"
• Year: SR
• Position: F
• Team Ranking: NR

Statistics

• 20 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2 BL, 51% FG, 81% FT, 50% 3P

Résumé

An excellent shooter, scorer and rebounder, Jon Leuer is the centerpiece of this season's Wisconsin team.

The Badgers, a bit down this year, will still find themselves in the bracket thanks to Leuer's inside dominance.

Only Purdue's JaJuan Johnson and Ohio State's Jared Sullinger are in the 6'10" senior's league when it comes to interior play in the Big Ten.

 Wooden Award Odds

LOW/MEDIUM: Like Wisconsin, there's nothing flashy about Leuer. Sometimes solid play loses out to SportsCenter highlight-type candidates. This year could be no different (see Irving, Kyrie).

Demetri McCamey, Illinois

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 30: Demetri McCamey #32 of the Illinois Fighting Illini takes a shot over Larry Drew II #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during first half action of the 2010 ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Assembly Hall on November 30, 2010 in Champa

Vitals

• Height: 6'3"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 17

Statistics

• 14.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 7.7 APG, 3.45 A-TO, 51% FG, 53% 3P

Résumé

Illinois' Demetri McCamey, one of the top distributors and ball handlers in the country (almost eight assists per game with a 3.45-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio), has risen above Michigan State's Kalin Lucas and Penn State's Talor Battle as the Big Ten's top point guard.

While 15 points per game scorers often fail to win national awards—voters tend to appreciate bigger numbers—McCamey's leadership should drive the Illini (deep?) into the NCAA tournament.

Wooden Award Odds

LOW/MEDIUM: McCamey is an excellent playmaker, but, compared to other guards on this list, he lacks "dazzle."

Casey Mitchell, West Virginia

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 19: Casey Mitchell #33 of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on against the Morgan State Bears during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HSBC Arena on March 19, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Ric

Vitals

• Height: 6'4"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: NR

Statistics

• 21.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 52% FG, 88% FT, 39% 3P

Résumé

Casey Mitchell is throwing up eye-popping stats a mere one season after averaging just 3.7 points per game.

If the Mounties plan on imitating last year's tournament run, the Big East's most improved player must remain a 20-plus scorer in 2010-2011.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: The senior is putting up monster numbers for a squad one season removed from the Final Four. But the unranked Mountaineers need to climb back into the Top 25 fray so voters take greater notice of Mitchell's stellar play.

E'Twaun Moore, Purdue

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SPOKANE,WA - MARCH 21: E'Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers drives the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Spokane Arena on March 21, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. Purdue def

Vitals

• Height: 6'4"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 18

Statistics

• 20.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 43% 3P

Résumé

E'Twaun Moore, the Big Ten's top rebounding guard, teams with pal JaJuan Johnson as the Boilermakers aim for the Big Ten crown.

Without injured Robbie Hummel—and facing a loaded conference—such a task will be difficult, if not monumental.

Moore, however, is a proven leader, which gives Purdue a shot in the nation's best conference.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: Moore has POY chops, but the Boiler might end up fighting his own teammate (Johnson) for votes. Plus, the Wooden list is guard heavy, which certainly lessens Moore's trophy odds. 

Marcus Morris, Kansas

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 26: Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots against Asown Sayles #44 of the Ohio Bobcats during the third round of the Las Vegas Invitational at The Orleans Arena November 26, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kansas won 98-41. (Ph

Vitals

• Height: 6'8"
• Year: JR
• Position: F
• Team Ranking: 4

Statistics

• 18.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 65% FG

Résumé

Marcus Morris has the Jayhawks ranked fourth and looking to make a deep tourney run.

Thus far in 2010-2011, Morris has owned the paint, averaging nearly 19 points and shooting 65 percent. Numbers like should equate to a recurring role in the top five for Kansas this season.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM/HIGH: A dominant player on a top team will always have a chance. But to warrant serious POY consideration, Morris must improve his rebounding numbers: 18 and 10 reads much better than 18 and six.

Jacob Pullen, Kansas State

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 22: Jacob Pullen #0 of the Kansas State Wildcats controls the ball during the CBE Classic game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs on November 22, 2010 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Image

Vitals

• Height: 6'0"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 5

Statistics

• 15 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.4 ST, 35% 3P

Résumé

Jacob Pullen, Kansas State's main man and the Big 12's best floor general, has the Wildcats resting comfortably at No. 5, one spot below hated rival Kansas.

For K-State to hold its top five slot, Pullen must shake off a rusty first month and increase his scoring numbers and shooting percentage.

Wooden Award Odds

LOW/MEDIUM: Currently mired in a senior slump, Pullen needs to meet or exceed last season's numbers (19 points per game, 40 percent beyond the arc) to have a POY shot.

John Shurna, Northwestern

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 11: Forward John Shurna #24 of the Northwestern Wildcats drives with the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first round of the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 11, 2010 in Indianapolis, Ind

Vitals

• Height: 6'8"
• Year: JR
• Position: F
• Team Ranking: NR

Statistics

• 22.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 59% FG, 62% 3P

Résumé

A POY candidate from Northwestern? Absolutely.

Though the Wildcats probably don't have the history and tradition to push John Shurna to a Wooden win, the Big Ten's perennial bottom-dweller might call the junior forward a hero if Northwestern reaches its first NCAA tournament.

Wooden Award Odds

LOW: It would take 30 points per game for a Northwestern player to take home the Wooden hardware. Even then it would be a tough sell.

Kyle Singler, Duke

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 27: Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots against the Oregon Ducks on November 27, 2010 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Vitals

• Height: 6'8"
• Year: SR
• Position: F
• Team Ranking: 1

Statistics

• 15.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 89% FT

Résumé

The preseason POY favorite, Kyle Singler, to this point, trails Kyrie Irving and Nolan Smith for team MVP.

Nevertheless, come March and April, the Blue Devils will rely on the senior forward's leadership, big-game experience and intangibles as they chase back-to-back national championships.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM/HIGH: If Singler turns it on in conference play and beyond—and Irving and Smith come back down to earth a bit—this Blue Devil could hoist the Wooden. But he, like POY hotshots at Michigan State and Purdue, might lose votes to his sideline mates.

Nolan Smith, Duke

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 27: Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots a layup against the Oregon Ducks on November 27, 2010 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Vitals

• Height: 6'2"
• Year: SR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 1

Statistics

• 17.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5 APG, 52% FG

Résumé

Nolan Smith has saved his best for his last season at Duke.

Through the first month, Smith has been an 18/4/5 guy—along with 52 percent shooting—and has the Blue Devils ranked a unanimous No. 1.

If not for Kyle Singler and Kyrie Irving, Smith would be the toast of Durham.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: Smith certainly has the credentials to win the award, but snagging votes from media darling Singler and freshman sensation Irving will be tough.

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Forward Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes yells after a dunk against the Florida Gators November 16, 2010 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Vitals

• Height: 6'9"
• Year: FR
• Position: F
• Team Ranking: 2

Statistics

• 14.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 58% FG

Résumé

Jared Sullinger has lived up to his preseason hype. Scary thought: He keeps improving.

Sullinger, a definite lottery pick in next year's NBA draft, has softened the blow of Evan Turner's departure and has OSU primed to claim a Final Four berth.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM/HIGH: Come March, many will consider Sullinger the country's top big. If that's the case and the Buckeyes remain high in the polls, a POY is possible.

Isaiah Thomas, Washington

Chris Chambers/Getty Images

SYRACUSE, NY - MARCH 25: Isaiah Thomas #2 of the Washington Huskies drives against Da'Sean Butler #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers during the east regional semifinal of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Carrier Dome on March 25, 2010 i

Vitals

• Height: 5'8"
• Year: JR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 22

Statistics

• 15 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4 APG, 2.2 A-TO, 35% 3P

Résumé

The best under six-foot guard in the country, Isaiah Thomas often performs like his namesake.

Thomas currently has the Huskies ranked No. 22. Unfortunately, the 5'8" junior is an unknown commodity outside the state. Continued solid play and a rise in the rankings could change that.

Wooden Award Odds

LOW: A down Pac-10 hurts Thomas, who will battle Arizona's Derrick Williams and Washington State's Klay Thompson for the conference's individual supremacy. Pac-10 POY maybe, but a Wooden is doubtful.

Klay Thompson, Washington State

Vitals

• Height: 6'6"
• Year: JR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: NR

Statistics

• 21.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.8 APG, 50% FG

Résumé

Who, you ask?

Klay Thompson, like others in the Pac-10, receives little attention beyond the Pacific time zone.

But the 6'6" junior, a well-rounded guard (21 points, five rebounds, five assists), could force college hoops fans to look west toward Pullman.

Wooden Award Odds

LOW: Thompson plays for Washington State, which receives little publicity beyond the Left Coast. POY chances are slim.

Kemba Walker, Connecticut

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LOUISVILLE, KY - FEBRUARY 01: Peyton Siva #3 of the Louisville Cardinals defends Kemba Walker #15 of the Connecticut Huskies during the Big East Conference game on February 1, 2010 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville won 82-69. (Photo b

Vitals

• Height: 6'1"
• Year: JR
• Position: G
• Team Ranking: 6

Statistics

• 29.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.1 ST, 2 A-TO, 53% FG, 89% FT, 43% 3P

Résumé

If the season ended today, Kemba Walker, the nation's top scorer, would duel Duke's Kyrie Irving for the Wooden Award.

After averaging 14.6 points in 2009-2010, the 6'1" junior has exploded this year with four 30-plus point games (including a career-high 42 against Vermont) for the surprising sixth-ranked Huskies.

If he continues his scoring assault—and UConn keeps winning—Walker could be the first Husky to claim POY.

Wooden Award Odds

HIGH: If Walker's torrid scoring pace continues, he has a great chance. But upcoming Big East opponents won't allow 30 so easily. Still, averaging 25/5/5 in 2010-2011 is a reasonable goal. Wooden numbers indeed.

Derrick Williams, Arizona

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats drives to the basket past Brendan Lane #21 of the UCLA Bruins in the second half during the Quarterfinals of the Pac-10 Basketball Tournament at Staples Center on March 11, 2010 in

Vitals

• Height: 6'8"
• Year: SO
• Position: F
• Team Ranking: NR

Statistics

• 20 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 67% FG

Résumé

Derrick Williams is at the forefront of Arizona's revival.

Only a sophomore, Williams is the Pac-10's best interior performer.

Many outside the state of Arizona don't know the 6'8" forward, but they will by season's end.

Wooden Award Odds

MEDIUM: Williams is a force but, like fellow Pac-10 stars Thomas and Thompson, he must overcome the less visible West Coast.

High Honorable Mention

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 14: Ravern Johnson #2 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs drives for a shot attempt against the Kentucky Wildcats during the final of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at the Bridgestone Arena on March 14, 2010 in Nashville, Tenness

Talor Battle 6'0" SR G Penn State (20.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.4 APG)

Tu Holloway 6'0" JR G Xavier (24 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.3 APG)

Matt Howard 6'8" SR F Butler (15.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG)

Ravern Johnson 6'7" SR G Mississippi State (25.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG)

Kalin Lucas 6'1" SR G Michigan State (14.9 PPG)

Marshall Moses 6'6" SR F Oklahoma State (17.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG)

Chris Singleton 6'9" JR F Florida State (14 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.3 ST, 2.8 BL)

Durrell Summers 6'4" SR G Michigan State (14.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG)

Christian Watford 6'9" SO F Indiana (17.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG)

Wesley Witherspoon 6'9" JR G-F Memphis (13.7 PPG, 5 RPG)

All-American and Player of the Year Projections

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

DURHAM, NC - DECEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #1 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates during their game against the Michigan State Spartans at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 1, 2010 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

First Team All-American

• G Kyrie Irving, Duke
• G Kemba Walker, Connecticut
• F Marcus Morris, Kansas
• F Kyle Singler, Duke
• F Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Second Team All-American

• G Nolan Smith, Duke
• F Draymond Green, Michigan State
• F Derrick Williams, Arizona
• F Rick Jackson, Syracuse
• F-C JaJuan Johnson, Purdue

Conference Player of the Year

• ACC: Kyrie Irving, Duke
• Big East: Kemba Walker, Connecticut
• Big Ten: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
• Big 12: Marcus Morris, Kansas
• Pac-10: Derrick Williams, Arizona
• SEC: Ravern Johnson, Mississippi State

Wooden Award Winner

• Kyrie Irving, Duke