Deshaun Thomas Named Oscar Robertson Trophy Finalist
The entire list of finalists below:
2013 OSCAR ROBERTSON TROPHY FINALISTS
Pos., Player, School, Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown
F Anthony Bennett, UNLV, 6-8, 240, Fr., Brampton, Ont.
G Trey Burke, Michigan, 6-0, 190, So., Columbus, Ohio
G Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse, 6-6, 185, So., Hamilton, Mass.
F Doug McDermott, Creighton, 6-8, 225, Jr., Ames, Iowa
G Ben McLemore, Kansas, 6-5, 195, Fr., St. Louis, Mo.
G Victor Oladipo, Indiana, 6-5, 214, Jr., Upper Marlboro, Md.
F Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga, 7-0, 238, Jr., Kamloops, B.C.
F Mason Plumlee, Duke, 6-10, 235, Sr., Warsaw, Ind.
F Otto Porter, Georgetown, 6-8, 205, So., Sikeston, Mo.
G Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, 6-4, 225, Fr., Flower Mount, Texas
G Russ Smith, Louisville, 6-0, 165, Jr., Brooklyn, N.Y.
F Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State, 6-7, 215, Jr., Fort Wayne, Ind.
C Jeff Withey, Kansas, 7-0, 235, Sr., San Diego, Calif.
F Cody Zeller, Indiana, 7-0, 240, So., Washington, Ind.
Comments
When a third of the finalists are from the B1G, that lends a little credence to the "best bball conference" commentary, I suppose.
Not arguing one bit because it is hands down the best conference, but in making that argument with this list, wouldn't that say that Kansas and Indiana are hands down the best teams? While they are 2 of the better teams, no one can really say that any team is hands down the best.
Two players does not a team make.
Again, in the same regard, 4-5 players do not make a conference. I'm not really arguing against the point of the B1G being the best conference because they are. I'm just countering against the logic used to get to that point.
I'd be willing to take Indiana as the best team in the country, though I haven't watched enough of Kansas since their visit to the Value City Arena to have an opinion on their bona fides. That said, your point about parity this season is well made, and valid.
Thanks, Andy. I'd agree with Indiana, but they're not like Kentucky was last year, or a handful of past UNC, Duke, and Kansas teams. But you get my point on the whole thing. No need in rehashing that.
Yep, you are very correct that five players does not a conference make, as well. I was still impressed, though, that with 347 Division I basketball programs, five of 14 finalists for the award came from a single conference, and for that matter, than two of the 14 came from the same team.
Oh, and congrats on the baby, Andy! I had been MIA most of last week it seems so I didn't get a chance to swing by the Babies thread.
Thanks, Unky! She's pretty amazing :)
I'll put my money on a B1G player.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler