Kentucky big man Oscar Tshiebwe continued his strong run through the postseason awards circuit on Sunday, when he was named Naismith Player of the Year after a standout junior year with the Wildcats. Tshiebwe averaged 17.4 points and 15.2 rebounds for UK in his first season after transferring from West Virginia midway through the 2020-21 campaign.
Tshiebwe is just Kentucky's second-ever recipient of the Naismith Trophy, joining Anthony Davis, who won the award in 2012. This year's other finalists were Ochai Agbaji from Kansas, Johnny Davis from Wisconsin and Keegan Murray from Iowa.
Though Kentucky's season ended in disappointing fashion with a first round NCAA Tournament loss to No. 15 seed Saint Peter's, Tshiebwe managed to be a bright spot even in a bleak moment for his team. The 6-foot-9 bruiser finished with 30 points and 16 rebounds against the Peaco*cks to close the season with 16 straight double-doubles. That was the longest streak in Kentucky history. His total of 28 double-doubles also marked a program record.
In addition to the Naismith Award, Tshiebwe was also named CBS Sports Player of the Year and has now totaled five NCAA-recognized player of the year awards. Tshiebwe wasn't the only SEC big man to pick up a Naismith Award on Sunday. Auburn center Walker Kessler earned the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award after blocking 4.6 shots per game as a sophom*ore for the Tigers.
Ed Cooley of Providence won Naismith Coach of the Year after leading the Friars to a 27-6 season, Big East regular-season title and a Sweet 16 appearance.
Men's Naismith Player of the Year winners
| Year | Player | School |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Oscar Tshiebwe | Kentucky |
| 2021 | Luka Garza | Iowa |
| 2020 | Obi Toppin | Dayton |
| 2019 | Zion Williamson | Duke |
| 2018 | Jalen Brunson | Villanova |
| 2017 | Frank Mason III | Kansas |
| 2016 | Buddy Hield | Oklahoma |
| 2015 | Frank Kaminsky III | Wisconsin |
| 2014 | Doug McDermott | Creighton |
| 2013 | Trey Burke | Michigan |
| 2012 | Anthony Davis | Kentucky |
| 2011 | Jimmer Fredette | BYU |
| 2010 | Evan Turner | Ohio State |
| 2009 | Blake Griffin | Oklahoma |
| 2008 | Tyler Hansbrough | North Carolina |
| 2007 | Kevin Durant | Texas |
| 2006 | J.J. Redick | Duke |
| 2005 | Andrew Bogut | Utah |
| 2004 | Jameer Nelson | Saint Joseph's |
| 2003 | T.J. Ford | Texas |
| 2002 | Jay Williams | Duke |
| 2001 | Shane Battier | Duke |
| 2000 | Kenyon Martin | Cincinnati |
| 1999 | Elton Brand | Duke |
| 1998 | Antawn Jamison | North Carolina |
| 1997 | Tim Duncan | Wake Forest |
| 1996 | Marcus Camby | UMass |
| 1995 | Joe Smith | Maryland |
| 1994 | Glenn Robinson | Purdue |
| 1993 | Calbert Cheaney | Indiana |
| 1992 | Christian Laettner | Duke |
| 1991 | Larry Johnson | UNLV |
| 1990 | Lionel Simmons | LaSalle |
| 1989 | Danny Ferry | Duke |
| 1988 | Danny Manning | Kansas |
| 1987 | David Robinson | Navy |
| 1986 | Johnny Dawkins | Duke |
| 1985 | Patrick Ewing | Georgetown |
| 1984 | Michael Jordan | North Carolina |
| 1983 | Ralph Sampson | Virginia |
| 1982 | Ralph Sampson | Virginia |
| 1981 | Ralph Sampson | Virginia |
| 1980 | Mark Aguirre | DePaul |
| 1979 | Larry Bird | Indiana State |
| 1978 | Butch Lee | Marquette |
| 1977 | Marques Johnson | UCLA |
| 1976 | Scott May | Indiana |
| 1975 | David Thompson | NC State |
| 1974 | Bill Walton | UCLA |
| 1973 | Bill Walton | UCLA |
| 1972 | Bill Walton | UCLA |
| 1971 | Austin Carr | Notre Dame |
| 1970 | Pete Maravich | LSU |
| 1969 | Lew Alcindor | UCLA |
As a seasoned basketball enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport, I can confidently discuss the recent achievements and accolades of Kentucky's standout big man, Oscar Tshiebwe. His recognition as the Naismith Player of the Year for the 2021-2022 season is a testament to his exceptional performance during his junior year with the Wildcats.
Oscar Tshiebwe, a 6-foot-9 bruiser, had an outstanding season, making a significant impact on both ends of the court. His statistics speak volumes about his prowess, averaging an impressive 17.4 points and 15.2 rebounds per game. What sets Tshiebwe apart is not only his scoring ability but also his dominance on the boards, showcasing a remarkable ability to secure rebounds.
One noteworthy aspect of Tshiebwe's achievement is his consistency, especially during the postseason. In the final game against Saint Peter's in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Tshiebwe displayed resilience by recording 30 points and 16 rebounds, capping off the season with an impressive 16 straight double-doubles. This streak established a new Kentucky record, emphasizing Tshiebwe's impact on the team.
Tshiebwe's accolades extend beyond the Naismith Player of the Year award. He was also honored as the CBS Sports Player of the Year, further solidifying his status as one of the top players in college basketball. With a total of five NCAA-recognized player of the year awards, Tshiebwe's contributions to Kentucky's success are undeniable.
It's worth noting that Tshiebwe is only the second player in Kentucky history to receive the Naismith Trophy, with the first being Anthony Davis in 2012. This recognition places Tshiebwe among the elite players who have left an indelible mark on the college basketball landscape.
In addition to Tshiebwe, the article highlights another SEC big man, Walker Kessler of Auburn, who earned the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. Kessler's remarkable shot-blocking ability, averaging 4.6 blocks per game as a sophom*ore, contributed to his well-deserved recognition.
Furthermore, Ed Cooley of Providence was named Naismith Coach of the Year for the 2021-2022 season. Cooley led the Friars to a notable 27-6 season, securing the Big East regular-season title and making a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
In summary, the article provides insights into the exceptional achievements of Oscar Tshiebwe, Walker Kessler, and Ed Cooley, showcasing their impact on the college basketball landscape during the 2021-2022 season.
