J.J. Redick, Adam Morrison, Kyle Lowry, Rodney Carney: Who Received the Coveted 1st Annual Dils Awards?

As the conference tournaments pick up full steam, everybody should be revving up for the excitement of the next 25 days. These three and a half weeks are what separate college basketball from any other sport, making it the best there is, with the possible exception of bowling or curling. So, that can mean only one thing: it is time for the First Annual Dils College Basketball Awards. It has to be just as exciting to be named 1st Team All Dils as it is to be 1st Team AP All American. So here we go….

Player of the Year: J.J. Redick. I went back and forth on this pick. And just to set the criteria, unlike some announcers I have heard who give the edge to Redick because of what he has accomplished during his career, I am only looking at this year. I give Redick the edge over Morrison despite the last four games in which he has struggled mightily. I differentiate the two players based on the overall quality of opposition and far superior defensive ability. And he has a way better haircut.

First Team All Dils

• J.J. Redick, Duke
• Adam Morrison, Gonzaga. No question, Morrison had an amazing year, averaging over 28 points and 5 boards a game, while shooting virtually 50% from the field. Still, I look for the Zags to get knocked out of the tourney pretty early. Their penchant for playing lots of close games is bound to catch up with them sooner or later, and later is here.
• Mardy Collins, Temple. If you have not seen this kid play, his stats may not convince you. He is averaging almost 17 points a game on just under 44% shooting. But if you have seen him play, you may agree with this choice. Collins is everything (almost 5 boards, 2.8 steals and 4 assists per) on a team without much else. Look for him to be a high lottery pick in the draft this year.
• Nick Fazekas, Nevada. Averaging 22 points and 10+ boards a game, this guy may not look like an athlete, but he can ball. Has made Nevada into a threat to do damage (again!) in the NCAA tourney.
• Glen Davis, LSU. The Big Baby averages 19 & 10 per game. He led the SEC Champ Tigers to the crown this year. He is only just starting to tap into his potential.

Second Team All Dils

• Shelden Williams, Duke. You know I wanted to put the landlord on my First Team, but I just cannot ignore the games in which he simply disappeared. Still a great season, though.
• Steve Smith, LaSalle. 20 points and 8 board for a guy with less around him than Mardy Collins, and he led this team to the #3 seed in the Atlantic 10 tourney. Smith benefited by staying in school for his senior season.
• Randy Foye, Villanova. On my first team at mid year, I thought he was only the third best player on his own team during the past month. Still, a great season.
• Brandon Roy, Washington. The country may find out about this kid, as the Huskies may have a little run in them to the Sweet 16.
• Marcus Slaughter, San Diego State. Just a monster for the Aztecs. Look for him to lead his team to a possible upset next week in the NCAAs, depending on the matchup they get.

Third Team All Dils

• Chris Lofton, Tennessee
• Leon Powe, California.
• Rodney Carney, Memphis
• Mike Gansey, West Virginia
• Craig Smith, Boston College

All Coaching Team. I tried to pick a coach of the year, but there were too many guys that have done a tremendous job this year. Based on my list, I guess all parties involved (UNC, KU, Illinois) are happy with the coaching carousel that involved Roy Williams, Bill Self and Bruce Webber three years ago.

• Roy Williams, UNC. The talk at the beginning of the year was whether they could get into the NCAAs at all. Now the talk is about whether they can defend their title.
• Bruce Pearl, Tennessee. NO offense to John Brady, but how does Pearl not win Coach of the Year in the SEC?
• Bruce Webber, Illinois
• Thad Motta, Ohio St. And his recruiting class for next year will make them a National Championship contender.
• Bill Self, Kansas. Has anyone done a better mid season turnaround this year than Self with his Jayhawks?

Co-Defensive Players of Year

• Brad Goldberry, UNC-Wilmington
• Rodney Carney, Memphis

Note: A lot of people will give this award to Shelden Williams from Duke. While I believe the Landlord is a great help defender, I just do not think he is a good enough ball defender to win this award like he did last year.

Co-Freshmen of the Year

• Tyler Hansbrough, UNC. Please go pro, please go pro, please go pro, please go pro….
• Tyrus Thomas, LSU. Getting this kid back healthy in time for next week is critical if the Tigers want to make a run.

"Intangible" Player of the Year

• Kyle Lowry, Villanova. Absolutely just one of my favorite players ever to watch. It is a virtual lock that this guy will come out of nowhere to get at least two loose balls each game. He is quite simply the heart and soul of this Villanova club, and I would say more important to their title hopes than either Foye or Allan Ray (not that they are not critical as well). Just watch this kid play one time and I guarantee you will be a fan. Look for him to be a First Team All American next year.
• Honorable Mention: Brad Buckman, Texas. This is a lunch-pail type guy who averages 10 points and 7 rebounds as a senior, but somehow just makes this team better.

Underachievers (So Far):
Michigan State
Maryland
Kentucky

If you are like me, you can’t wait for this weekend of hoops, Sunday’s selection show, and then let the pools and games begin!!! Enjoy.