Derrick Williams is averaging 18.6 points for Arizona.
Photo by Mark Evans, TucsonCitizen.com
Arizona Wildcats sophomore forward Derrick Williams was selected to the mid-season top 30 watch list for the Wooden Award, given to the nation’s top player. No surprise there.
Williams is vying for Pac-10 Player of the Year honors, as well as strong All-American consideration.
He is averaging 18.6 points and 6.7 rebounds for the 12-3 Wildcats.
“He’s physically big and strong, yet he’s really explosive,” Arizona coach Sean Miller said. “When you add the fact that he can equally go left and right and use both hands to score, you can see where that makes it really tough.”
Miller also talks about Williams needing to be a better rebounder and to demand the ball more in the post when opponents defense Arizona with a zone. Those will be key areas to watch as the Cats dive deeper into Pac-10 play.
Here is the list of 30 Wooden candidates:
Marshon Brooks, Providence
Alec Burks, Colorado
Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech
Marcus Denmon, Missouri
LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor
Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young
Austin Freeman, Georgetown
Jordan Hamilton, Texas
Matt Howard, Butler
Reggie Jackson, Boston College
Rick Jackson, Syracuse
JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
Terrence Jones, Kentucky
Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
Jon Leuer, Wisconsin
Demetri McCamey, Illinois
E’Twaun Moore, Purdue
Marcus Morris, Kansas
Jacob Pullen, Kansas State
John Shurna, Northwestern
Kyle Singler, Duke
Nolan Smith, Duke
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
Isaiah Thomas, Washington
Klay Thompson, Washington State
Kemba Walker, Connecticut
Brad Wanamaker, Pitt
Derrick Williams, Arizona
Jordan Williams, Maryland