ST. LOUIS (USBWA) Kansas State sensation Michael Beasley has been selected as the men's National Freshman of the Year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.
Beasley was selected in voting by USBWA members in eight of the association's nine geographical districts. The lone district that did not select Beasley as the nation's top freshman chose UCLA's Kevin Love instead.
A 6-10 forward from Washington, D.C., Beasley was earlier this week named player and freshman of the year in the Big 12 Conference. Beasley leads the nation in rebounding with a 12.5 average and is third in scoring with a 26.5 mark. He recorded a double-double in 26 of 30 games and scored 40 points or more three times and 30 or more points 13 times this season.
The USBWA began presenting a National Freshman of the Year in the 1988-89 season, when LSU's Chris Jackson was named the first winner of the award. Kevin Durant of Texas was the winner a year ago, when he was also the winner of the USBWA's Oscar Robertson Trophy, presented to the National Player of the Year.
The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. Today, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. For more information on the USBWA and its awards, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-421-0339.