Purdue’s Johnson Named Finalist For Oscar Robertson Trophy

jajuan_johnsonPurdue senior forward/center JaJuan Johnson took the next step in his bid for National Player of the Year honors on Monday when the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) named him one of 10 finalists for the 2011 Oscar Robertson Trophy.

The nation’s oldest award, the Oscar Robertson Trophy is voted upon by the nearly 900 journalists that comprise the USBWA.

The Indianapolis native has consistently been one of the nation’s top performers throughout the 2010-11 season, leading Purdue into the hunt for the Big Ten title with averages of 20.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. He has posted nine double-doubles on the year and scored in double figures in 38-consecutive games, equaling the sixth-longest streak in program history.

Heading into the week, Johnson leads the Big Ten in blocks per game (2.4), ranks second in points (20.4), fourth in rebounds (8.1) and sixth in free throw percentage (.822).

Johnson gave one of his signature performances on Sunday in East Lansing, scoring 20 points, grabbing a career-high 17 rebounds and swatting a career high-tying seven shots to lead Purdue to a 20-point win over Michigan State at the Breslin Center.

He has two games in Big Ten action with at least 15 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks; prior to this season, no player had accomplished the feat even once in league play since 2001.

The presentation of this year’s award will take place on April 1 in Houston in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

2011 Oscar Robertson Trophy finalists

  • Jimmer Fredette, BYU
  • Jordan Hamilton, Texas
  • JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
  • Terrence Jones Kentucky
  • Marcus Morris, Kansas
  • Kyle Singler, Duke
  • Nolan Smith, Duke
  • Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
  • Kemba Walker, Connecticut
  • Derrick Williams, Arizona