NEW ORLEANS — Anthony Davis was named The Associated Press’ college basketball Player of the Year on Friday, the first Kentucky player and second freshman to win the award.
He received 43 votes Friday from the 65-member national media panel that selects the AP’s weekly top 25. Balloting was completed before the NCAA Tournament began.
“There were a lot of awards yesterday and today,” Davis said. “It’s a great feeling, especially as a freshman. I’ve been working hard and now it’s rewarding.”
The 6-10 forward from Chicago is the SEC’s Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 14.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 64.2 percent from the field. His block total is a school record and third best ever for a freshman.
“This is great to be here and hopefully we can win the national championship and accomplish our goal,” he said.
No Kentucky player had won the award, which started in 1961, and the only other freshman to win it was Kevin Durant of Texas in 2007.
“My expectations were nothing like this. I wasn’t planning on any awards,” Davis said of how he approached his season. “I have to thank my teammates for those lob passes for easy baskets and for them getting beat off the dribble for all those blocked shots. Without them, there are no awards.”
Thomas Robinson of Kansas was second with 20 votes, and Draymond Green of Michigan State received the other two votes.
Sports, Pages 23 on 03/31/2012