December 21, 2010

Swansey nominated for the 2011 Bob Cousy Award as one of the nation’s top point guards

Junior Zac Swansey is one of 66 NCAA basketball players in contention for the 2011 Bob Cousy award and the title of the nation’s top point guard.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Junior Zac Swansey is one of 66 NCAA basketball players in contention for the 2011 Bob Cousy award and the title of the nation’s top point guard, as announced by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Monday. The annual award, named for Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic Bob Cousy, recognizes college basketball’s top point guard. Nominations were solicited from all schools across the country.

“When you look at a prestigious award like this, you take into consideration that it’s a guard award for guys that helps create opportunities for teammates,” head coach Mike Sutton said. “We’re certainly excited for Zac because that’s exactly what he does, and he’s leading the OVC in assists. I think he’s still a little rusty from the year off, but we’re excited for him because this is what we recruited him to do - be a playmaker and leader on the floor.”

Swansey leads the Golden Eagles in minutes played so far this season, having logged 277 minutes of PT on the hardwood. He has 69 points and 54 assists on the season for an average of 6.9 points per game and 5.4 assists per game. He’s also averaging 2.9 rebounds per game and is sitting with a free throw percentage of 72.7 percent.

“The Hall of Fame is proud to once again work with Mr. Cousy and to present one of college basketball’s most coveted awards,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “This list represents a wide range of college basketball’s top players and we look forward to honoring the legacy of Mr. Cousy with this year’s award winner.”

“Bob is one of the great players in the history of basketball and his point guard ability was well ahead of his time,” said Ken Kaufman, Chair of the Bob Cousy Award. “This award recognizes his incredible talents from the past while also honoring the best in today’s game. We look forward to honoring this year’s award winner come April.”

This original list of candidates will be narrowed down to a final 20 by January 3^rd, final 10 by February 3^rd, and final five by March 3^rd. A Hall of Fame appointed screening committee will be narrowing down the candidates from 20 to 10 to 5 prior to a Blue Ribbon Selection Committee evaluating the final five candidates and ultimately choosing the winner. Both of the Hall of Fame committee’s are 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 presented at the Hall of Fame’s Class Announcement on Monday April 4^th in Houston as part of NCAA Final Four weekend.

Previous winners of the Bob Cousy Award have included: Jameer Nelson (St. Joseph’s), Raymond Felton (North Carolina), Dee Brown (Illinois), Acie Law (Texas A & M), DJ Augustin (Texas), Ty Lawson (North Carolina) and Greivis Vasquez (Maryland). For more information on the 2011 Bob Cousy Award, log onto www.cousyaward.com .