Markelle Fultz Adds Bob Cousy Nomination to Impressive Season
By Paul Taylor
Despite the Washington Huskies’ struggles, Markelle Fultz continues to receive recognition for his impressive individual accomplishments this season.
Few people would argue the season up to this point has been a disaster for the Washington Huskies. Furthermore, Lorenzo Romar could conceivably end up with his worst conference record, since taking over as head coach for the 2002-03 season.
However, it’s not all bad news for Huskies’ fans, who have at least been able to enjoy watching Markelle Fultz in action. To say he has lived up to the hype, would be an understatement.
Fultz currently leads the Pac-12 in scoring, averaging 23.3 points per game. In addition, he is second in the conference in assists, averaging 6.0 per contest. (From a Huskies’ perspective, he needs 25 more dimes to set the school freshman single-season record.)
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Throw in 6.1 rebounds per game, and the 18-year is the only NCAA player averaging 20-6-6. As such, it should come as no surprise he has been selected as one of 10 finalists for the Bob Cousy award.
For anyone unfamiliar with the honor, it is awarded annually to the top point guard in Division I men’s college basketball. It is named after Hall of Famer Cousy, who earned the nickname “Houdini of the Hardwood” and won six NBA championship, during 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics.
Fultz is one of four freshmen on the midseason list, and one of two players from the Pac-12, along with UCLA’s Lonzo Ball. Interestingly, the list also includes Nigel William-Goss, who previously played two seasons for Romar and the Huskies, before transferring to Gonzaga.
As reported by gohuskies.com, the list will be whittled down to five in March, with the award to be presented at the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show on April 7th, in downtown Los Angeles. While there are no guarantees, it seems reasonable to predict the Huskies’ superstar point guard will be among the final nominees.
For now though, Fultz will concentrate on strengthening his case, by attempting to turn around the Huskies’ floundering season. With a record of 9-12 (including 2-7 in conference play), this appears unlikely, although you wouldn’t completely put it past the Upper Marlboro, Maryland native.
Next: Markelle Fultz Likely One-and-Done
What has impressed you most about watching Fultz play for the Huskies? Further, are you already resigned to losing him after just one year, or do you still believe there is a chance he will return next season? Share your thoughts in the comments section.