Naismith Honors Four
Joe Smith of Maryland and Rebecca Lobo of Connecticut were the winners of the Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year awards.
UCLA’s Jim Harrick was chosen men’s Coach of the Year and Geno Auriemma of Connecticut was selected the top women’s coach in the poll of sportscasters, sportswriters and coaches by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.
Smith, a 6-foot-10 sophomore, averaged 20.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocked shots per game while helping Maryland to a 24-7 regular season record.
Lobo, a 6-4 senior, averaged 17.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots for the unbeaten Huskies.
Harrick led the Bruins to a 25-2 record and a trip to the Final Four this weekend at Seattle. Auriemma’s Huskies were 29-0 during the season and will go to the Women’s Final Four at Minneapolis.