Larkin Named to Naismith Player of the Year Watch List.

Courtesy UM Athletic Department:

Larkin Named to Naismith Player of the Year Watch List

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami sophomore point guard Shane Larkin is one of 30 candidates for the 2013 Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year award presented by AT&T, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today.

Larkin, who is also a Bob Cousy Award finalist, leads the ACC with 1.9 steals, is fourth in assists (4.8) and 20th in points (12.7) per game in conference play. He was named the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week and ACC Player of the Week on Feb. 4, 2013, after leading the Canes to wins at NC State and against Duke.

Overall, Larkin averages 13.1 points, 4.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 36.1 minutes per game for the Canes. He is hitting 47.7 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from long range.

The top 30 candidates were selected by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, which based its criteria on player performances to this point in the 2013 men’s college basketball season. In late March, the Naismith Trophy voting academy will narrow down the list to four finalists. The Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year presented by AT&T will be awarded on April 7, 2013 in Atlanta.

For the ninth consecutive year, fans will have the opportunity to text their votes for the player of their choice and help determine the 2013 Naismith Trophy winner. Voting will open to fans on Monday, March 25. Naismith Trophy presenting sponsor AT&T is making the voting open to other wireless carriers, enabling even more fans to participate.

"This season has re-defined excellence on the court, as numerous talented players have put themselves in a position to win the prestigious Naismith Trophy," said Shane Battier, spokesperson for the Naismith Awards and the only men’s player to win both a high school (1997) and college (2001) Naismith Trophy. "I am excited to see which of these great players emerges down the stretch to win this award and become the newest member of the Naismith Awards family."

"For nearly a decade, AT&T has helped honor college basketball’s elite and their amazing performances on the court," said Jamie Kerr, Director, AT&T Corporate Sponsorships. "AT&T enables fans to play a central role in the selection process while bringing them closer to their passion for college basketball. With such a competitive pool of student-athletes, next month’s voting is sure to be close."

Other notable Naismith Trophy alumni include a pair of three-time winners in Bill Walton (1972, 73, 74) and Ralph Sampson (181, 82, 83), Michael Jordan (1984), Kevin Durant (2007) and last year’s winner, Anthony Davis of Kentucky. The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T is the most prestigious national award presented annually to college basketball’s best player.

For more information, visit www.naismithawards.com.

Top 30 Candidates for 2013 Naismith Men’s Player of the Year Award: