University of Washington Athletics

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – University of Washington freshman Markelle Fultz has been selected as one of the 15 finalists for the 2017 John R. Wooden Award presented by Wendy's, given annually to the most outstanding player in the country.
 
He's joined by Lonzo Ball (UCLA), Dillon Brooks (Oregon), Bonzi Colson (Notre Dame), Ethan Happ (Wisconsin), Josh Hart (Villanova), Josh Jackson (Kansas), Justin Jackson (UNC), Luke Kennard (Duke), Lauri Markkanen (Arizona), Frank Mason III (Kansas), Malik Monk (Kentucky), Jonathan Motley (Baylor), Caleb Swanigan (Purdue) and Nigel Williams-Goss (Gonzaga). 


All balloted players have been certified by their university to meet or exceed the qualifications for the Wooden Award. The qualifications include: candidates must be full-time students in an accredited NCAA college or university; candidates must be a full-time student making progress toward graduation and have a cumulative 2.00 grade point average since enrolling in their school; candidates must exhibit strength of character, both on and off the court; candidates should contribute to team effort; candidates must excel in both offense and defense; and candidates should be considered on their performance over the course of the entire season.
 
The Husky freshman, who was also named one of 10 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award for the nation's top point guard of the year in January, is leading the Pac-12 in scoring, averaging 23.2 points per game, which ranks sixth nationally. His scoring average is on pace to be the highest scoring average by a league player in 20 years and his conference scoring average of 24.5 leads the league by five points.
 
Fultz set the UW freshman scoring record with his 579 points this season and is also second in assists at 148, just four shy of setting the freshman record. He's close to becoming just the second player in UW history to record 600 points, 150 rebounds and 150 assists in a season as he just needs 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists to do so.
 
Fultz has put together 24 double-digit scoring efforts in 25 games, 18 of which were 20 points or more and five were 30+point outings. His five games of 30 or more points ties for the fifth-most by a Husky in program history and three of those efforts came in three-straight contests. Additionally, he's recorded four double-doubles, two of which were points and assists. The freshman has led the Huskies in points and assists in 15 of his 25 games played and led in points, rebounds and assists seven times.
 
Fultz has had 10 games of at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists this season which is the most by a Husky player under Romar. It is also the most 20-5-5 games by a player averaging over 20 points in the NCAA this season. Additionally, he is the only guard in the last 25 years to average 20-5-5 while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range.

Voting will take place from March 13th to March 20th, and voters, consisting of nearly 1,000 members of the national college basketball media, take into consideration a player's entire season of play, as well as opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Fans may vote through the fan voting site, sponsored by Wendy's, at woodenawardvote.com.
 
The Wooden Award All American Team, consisting of the nation's top 10 players, and the finalists for the Wooden Award, widely considered the most prestigious honor in college basketball, will be announced following the "Elite Eight" round of the NCAA Tournament and will be the focus of a 30-minute show March 27th on ESPN at 8pm EST. The winner of the 2017 John R. Wooden Award will be announced during the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show presented by Wendy's on Friday, April 7, 2017.
 
About the John R. Wooden Award
The 41^st annual presentation of the John R. Wooden Award® to the men's and women's most outstanding basketball player will be the anchor presentation of the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show presented by Wendy's® on ESPN2 on Friday, April 7, 2017. The men's and women's John R. Wooden Award All-American Teams will be honored during the ceremony, and the 2017 Wooden Award Legends of Coaching Trophy™ will be presented to Muffet McGraw, Head Women's Basketball Coach at Notre Dame.
 
2017 Wooden Award Top 15
Lonzo Ball, UCLA
Dillon Brooks, Oregon
Bonzie Colson, Notre Dame
Markelle Fultz, Washington
Ethan Happ, Wisconsin
Josh Hart, Villanova
Josh Jackson, Kansas
Justin Jackson, North Carolina
Luke Kennard, Duke
Lauri Markkanen, Arizona
Frank Mason III, Kansas
Malik Monk, Kentucky
Jonathan Motley, Baylor
Caleb Swanigan, Purdue
Nigel Williams-Goss, Gonzaga