Harden Named Mid-Season Candidate For Naismith Trophy
<p>Arizona State University sophomore guard <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/harden_james00.html">J… Harden</a> has been named one of 30 mid-season candidates for the 2009 Naismith Trophy, which is awarded to men's college player of the year, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today.</p><separator></separator><p>Harden is currently leading the Pacific-10 Conference with 21.2 points per game while shooting 52.7 percent from the field. He averages 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, and he ranks third in the conference with 44 steals. He has started all 26 games in helping the No. 14/11 Sun Devils to a 21-5 record overall, 10-4 in the Pac-10.</p><separator></separator><p>Harden is one of two Pac-10 players on the list, along with University of Washington forward Jon Brockman.</p><separator></separator><p>The top 30 list was voted on by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists, coaches and administrators from around the country. The board based its criteria on player performances this season. The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T will be presented at the NCAA Men's Final Four in Detroit.<!-- STORY AD BEGINS HERE --></p>