Illini guard McCamey honored as Cousy finalist

Officials for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the final 10 candidates in consideration for the 2011 Bob Cousy Award, and Illinois senior guard Demetri McCamey made the cut.

This annual award is given to college basketball’s top point guard and is named after Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic great Bob Cousy. An original list of 70 plus candidates made up of players from around the country was trimmed by a Hall of Fame appointed, nationally based committee to 20 and has now narrowed that list to a final 10.

The finalists are:

Ÿ Norris Cole, Cleveland State

Ÿ Corey Fisher, Villanova

Ÿ Jimmer Fredette, BYU

Ÿ DJ Gay, San Diego State

Ÿ Brandon Knight, Kentucky

Ÿ Demetri McCamey, Illinois

ŸMickey McConnell, St. Mary’s

Ÿ Nolan Smith, Duke

Ÿ Isaiah Thomas, Washington

Ÿ Kemba Walker, Connecticut

“This final list of 10 players represents the best of the best in college basketball at the point guard position,” said John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Beginning Tuesday, via the Bob Cousy Award’s website (cousyaward.com), fans will be able to vote for the top point guard. The player that receives the most fan votes will receive one vote toward the final committee vote. Fan voting will run one month and conclude March 8.

The current listing of ten finalists will be narrowed down to five players by March 10th. The final five players in contention for the award will be presented to Mr. Cousy and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. The winner will be awarded at the Hall of Fame’s Class Announcement on Monday, April 4, in Houston, Texas as part of NCAA Final Four weekend.