The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. has announced the candidates for the 2011 Bob Cousy Award.  The annual award, named for Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic Bob Cousy, recognizes college basketball's top point guard.  Eight student-athletes from the Big 12 were on the list, the most for any conference.

"The Hall of Fame is proud to once again work with Mr. Cousy and to present one of college basketball's most coveted awards," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. "This list represents a wide range of college basketball's top players and we look forward to honoring the legacy of Mr. Cousy with this year's award winner."

"Bob is one of the great players in the history of basketball and his point guard ability was well ahead of his time," said Ken Kaufman, Chair of the Bob Cousy Award.  "This award recognizes his incredible talents from the past while also honoring the best in today's game.  We look forward to honoring this year's award winner come April."

This original list of candidates will be narrowed down to a final 20 by January 3, a final 10 by February 3, and five finalists by March 3.  A Hall of Fame appointed screening committee will be narrowing down the candidates from 20 to 10 to five prior to a Blue Ribbon Selection Committee evaluating the final five candidates and ultimately choosing the winner.  Both of the Hall of Fame committee's are made up of top college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers.  The winner of the 2011 Bob Cousy Award will be presented at the Hall of Fame's Class Announcement on Monday April 4 in Houston as part of NCAA Final Four weekend.

Previous winners of the Bob Cousy Award have included: Jameer Nelson (St. Joseph's), Raymond Felton (North Carolina), Dee Brown (Illinois), Acie Law (Texas A&M), DJ Augustin (Texas), Ty Lawson (North Carolina) and Greivis Vasquez (Maryland).  For more information on the 2011 Bob Cousy Award, log onto www.cousyaward.com. 

Big 12 Candidates - 2011 Bob Cousy Award

AJ Walton, Baylor University
Alec Burks, University of Colorado
Diante Garrett, Iowa State University
Tyshawn Taylor, University of Kansas
Jacob Pullen, Kansas State University
Michael Dixon, University of Missouri
Phil Pressey, University of Missouri
Keiton Page, Oklahoma State University