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Naismith winner: Evan Turner named college basketball's best player

otte.28@osu.edu

Published: Sunday, April 4, 2010

Updated: Monday, April 5, 2010 19:04

naismith

Andy Gottesman / The Lantern photo illustration

Evan Turner, 2010 Naismith award winner.

Ohio State junior guard Evan Turner has often expressed a desire to be one of the best players to ever play basketball in a Buckeye uniform.

Turner may have cemented his place in that discussion Sunday when he was named the Naismith National Player of the Year award winner, something no OSU player has ever done. He was given the honor at the National Association of Basketball Coaches' Guardians of the Game awards show in Indianapolis, Ind.

"As the first Buckeye to win the award, to have my name listed with some of the greats of the game like Kareem (Lew Alcindor), Bill Walton, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan is incredible," Turner said. "I appreciate those who voted for me and am just really excited to be associated with this award."

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Turner bested the three other finalists, Kentucky's John Wall, Syracuse's Wesley Johnson and Kansas' Sherron Collins, to be named college basketball's best player. Turner led the Buckeyes in points, rebounds and assists, despite breaking his back early in the season.

"Winning the Naismith Player of the Year is an amazing achievement," Turner said. "I'm honored to be recognized for this award. Though this is an individual honor, I'm thrilled to represent my family, my teammates, coaches and The Ohio State University."

The award was the fourth of the weekend for Turner, who received AP Player of the Year and the Oscar Robertson Award Saturday, as well as the Coaches' Association Division I player of the year to go along with the Naismith Sunday.

For the season, Turner averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest.
 

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23 comments

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Anonymous
Wed Apr 7 2010 21:23
UK fans just need to stop whining. If a man averages more points, more rebounds, and about as many assists, does he deserve the awards? yes. I don't care if John Wall is a freshman, if he even cared about college basketball he wouldn't have declared for the NBA as a freshman...
Tommy Vish
Tue Apr 6 2010 14:06
John SChmall didnt deserve the award. If you look at their numbers, Turner averaged more points and 2 tenths less of an assist per game. Not to mention more rebounds, and he broke his back. Ohio state went from out of the top 25 to a team that should have gotten a number 1 seed in the tournament. John Wall had a loaded team. Ohio State went 4.5 deep
Gary C
Tue Apr 6 2010 08:48
Evan Turner was the best college basket ball player this year. Other than Buckeye pride, and the possibility of going furher in the NCAA tournament, he hasn't anything else to prove or stay for.
Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 20:30
go EVAN you worked your best and did well. I was from ohio and i love watching them play because of you. John Wall was to much of a show-off and even had his own dance. thats to much. go Evan for winning the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 19:10
hope evan stays with buckeyes for his senior year along 2 top freshman coming in next year buckeyes are going to win the national champ next year no questions!!!!!!
Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 18:24
Pete .... That's Great ..Evan Turner the National Player of the Year . It hasn't been done at Ohio State in basketball since 1964 Gary Bradds and 1961 & 1962 Jerry Lucas . Heck , Jerry Lucas won the Sportsman of the Year award by SI in 1961 over the New Yankees Roger Maris who hit 61 homers to beat Babe Ruth's old record ! Nice Job , Evan Turner - Go bucks !
Hoosier fan
Mon Apr 5 2010 17:53
I said last year during the big ten tournament that he was the best all around player around. I think he proved it this season after coming back from that back fall/injury. He had the ability to dominate games when necessary and just go with the flow when not necessary. He is really an amazing talent. Congratulations Evan! you deserve it. Wall really didn't prove to much at Kentucky. Yeah, he is good. However, he is one and done and Kentucky will have to look for another one to replace him.
DAVE
Mon Apr 5 2010 17:20
TURNER WAS CLEARLY THE BEST PLAYER THIS YEAR PERIOD!!! I DON'T SAY THIS BECAUSE I'M FROM OHIO EITHER. HE DESERVED THE AWARD! GO BUCKS!!!
Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 16:36
Clearly the Big Ten was the Best conference in college basketball this year. And Evan Turner was the best overall player. Let's hope he returns for another season!
Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 16:21
uk, duke, north carolina fans are the biggest crybabies on the planet. if a player from one of these teams doesn't win something they all bitch and moan. it's nice to have some variety in the winners now and then. these programs are not the be all and end all to college basketball like their fans think they are. congradulations to mr. turner and the buckeyes on a good season and i hope we see more programs like this to produce quality players to win more awards away from uk, duke, and nc.
Bruce
Mon Apr 5 2010 15:54
Not John Wall. Very good but not as polished. Turner provide smuch more leadership and floor presence skills than Wall.
Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 15:32
yes he does deserve all awards, what an outstanding young man. thank you evan for making watching you play so enjoyable. best of luck in nba if you go, although i would hope you stay one more year as a buckeye player
Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 14:54
I agree John Wall should have received this award . A freshman ? with the records he passed ? The awards he won ? Did I mention only a FRESHMAN ?
Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 14:46
"John Wall should have won" cry cry cry. Oh you UK fans are to much. The boy could play but I wouldn't call him the best. He was slightly over average most nights in my opinion.
Chuck D
Mon Apr 5 2010 13:33
Do work son!!
Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 13:13
Congradulations again Evan Turner, You deserve all the awards you have received!!! I thought you would receive the Naismith award. You are developing into a great basketball player and you are on my favorite team THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY BUCKEYES!!!!!!!! I hope you will return next season, but if you decide to go pro, I wise you all the best and sucess!!!!!!,

Doug

Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 10:27
Anon-

Unfortunately they don't have a "best arm band award".

Anonymous
Mon Apr 5 2010 09:11
He DOES look like an avatar...
Rob Fox, OSU faculty
Mon Apr 5 2010 07:49
Evan Turner possesses basketball skills on the court, but has also been very much a team player and leader. Seeing him on the side of the court urging his team on even when recovering from his broken back was inspirational. A very well deserved award, please go to the NBA -- you're needed there now.
R. Anthony
Sun Apr 4 2010 23:08
Even without the award you are a TRUE Buckeye. Columbus will never forget your dedication and loyalty to this university. It is appreciated. Good luck in the NBA.
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