Villanova's Brunson caps big week with Wooden Award

[April 07, 2018]  What a week it's been for Villanova junior Jalen Brunson.

Fresh off a national championship win against Michigan on Monday and the parade to celebrate on Thursday, the Wildcats guard was named the winner of the John R. Wooden Award as college basketball's player of the year on Friday night.

Brunson also took home the Bob Cousy point guard of the year award. He's the first Villanova player to earn the Wooden Award and the first player to claim the honor in a national championship season since Anthony Davis in 2012.

"It really does mean a lot," he said upon being presented the award in Los Angeles. "There's been so many great players that have come through Villanova. ... To be the first one definitely does mean a lot and is something I take great pride in."

Brunson averaged 18.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game this season. He beat out Oklahoma's Trae Young, Arizona's Deandre Ayton, Duke's Marvin Bagley III and Kansas' Devonte' Graham for the honor.

Joining them on the previously announced Wooden Award All-American team is Ohio State's Keita Bates-Diop, Xavier's Trevon Bluiett, Villanova's Mikal Bridges, Michigan State's Miles Bridges and West Virginia's Jevon Carter.

Villanova head coach Jay Wright received the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching honor. Brunson's teammate, Bridges won the Julius Erving small forward of the year award.

Ayton didn't leave empty-handed: He took home the Karl Malone power forward of the year award. Purdue's Carsen Edwards won the Jerry West shooting guard honor, and Seton Hall's Angel Delgado received the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar center of the year.

--Field Level Media

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