Larkin in Final Five for Cousy Award

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today that Miami guard Shane Larkin is among the final five candidates in consideration for the 2013 Bob Cousy Award. 
Larkin joins Oklahoma State freshman Marcus Smart, St. Mary’s College senior Matthew Dellavedova, Syracuse sophomore Michael Carter-Williams and Michigan sophomore Trey Burke in the final five.
“These five players truly represent the elite in college basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “The Cousy Award screening committee has worked diligently to narrow the candidates down to just five candidates. We look forward to honoring the winner in Atlanta over Final Four Weekend.”
Larkin has a strong case for the award, leading Miami in scoring (13.7 ppg), assists (131), steals (59) and three-point percentage (.403). He recorded a steal in 26 games this season, including 20 straight games from Nov. 13 through Feb. 5. Larkin also made at least one three-pointer in 26 of his 30 games played this season. 
The sophomore started 29 of Miami’s 30 games, missing the start on Senior Day so that the Hurricanes could honor their five seniors. The lightning quick guard stepped up against the best competition, scoring 18 points in each of Miami’s home wins over perennial powers Duke and North Carolina. Larkin scored in double figures in 24 of his 30 games and scored 20 or more points five times.
Larkin played a pivotal role Miami’s success this season, helping guide the Hurricanes to a 24-6 record that ended in the school’s first ACC regular season title in program history. He also helped the Canes finish 15-3 in the ACC and 14-1 at home, both Miami records.
The Cousy Award is given annually to college basketball’s top point guard and is named after Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtics guard Bob Cousy. An original list of 80 candidates was trimmed down by a nationally based committee to 20, then 10 and now five candidates remain in consideration for one of college basketball’s most prestigious awards.
“All five of these players have shown a great deal of determination and leadership throughout this year’s basketball season,” said Ken Kaufman, Chair of the Bob Cousy Award and former president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). “They have all separated themselves from the initial list of 80 candidates and we look forward to recognizing the winner that truly represents Bob Cousy’s work ethic and skill.”
Each of the final five candidates in contention for the award will be presented to Mr. Cousy and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. The Hall of Fame committee is made up of top college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, Sports Information Directors and Hall of Famers. The winner of the 2013 Bob Cousy Award will be presented at the Hall of Fame’s Class Announcement on Championship Monday in Atlanta as part of NCAA Final Four weekend.
Previous winners of the Bob Cousy Award have included Jameer Nelson (St. Joseph’s), Raymond Felton (North Carolina), Dee Brown (Illinois), Acie Law (Texas A & M), DJ Augustin (Texas), Ty Lawson (North Carolina), Greivis Vasquez (Maryland), Kemba Walker (Connecticut) and last year’s recipient Kendall Marshall (North Carolina). For more information on the 2013 Bob Cousy, log onto www.CousyAward.com.
2013 Bob Cousy Award – Final FiveMarcus Smart Oklahoma State UniversityMatthew Dellavedova Saint Mary’s CollegeMichael Carter-Williams Syracuse UniversityShane Larkin University of MiamiTrey Burke University of Michigan
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Birthplace of Basketball, the Naismith MemorialBasketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level –professional, collegiate, men and women.
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