UConn dominates award lists
UConn women’s basketball players continue to gain national recognition as they wait for the games to begin.
On Tuesday, four Huskies — juniors Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Evina Westbrook and Christyn Williams and freshman Paige Bueckers — were among 30 players from around the country named to the watchlist for the John R. Wooden Award, presented annually to the national player of the year. No school had as many representatives as UConn.
With that included, here’s a roundup of all the Huskies who have been nominated for national awards ahead of the 2020-21 season.
John R. Wooden Award (NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR)
Preseason nominees: Paige Bueckers, freshman;
Olivia Nelson-Ododa, junior; Evina Westbrook, junior; Christyn Williams, junior.
Previous winners: Maya Moore (2009, 2011), Tina Charles (2010), Breanna Stewart (2015-16).
Naismith Trophy (NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR)
Preseason nominees: Bueckers, NelsonOdoda, Westbrook, Williams.
Previous winners: Rebecca Lobo (1995), Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2003-04), Moore (2009, 2011), Charles (2010), Stewart (2014-16).
Wade Trophy (NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR)
Preseason nominees: Nelson-Ododa, Westbrook, Williams.
Previous winners: Lobo (1995), Jennifer Rizzotti (1996), Bird (2002), Taurasi (2003), Moore (2009-11), Stewart (2015-16).
Nancy Lieberman Award (NATION’S TOP POINT GUARD)
Preseason nominees: Bueckers.
Previous winners: Bird (2000-02), Taurasi (2003-04), Renee Montgomery (2009), Moriah Jefferson (2015-16).
Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (NATION’S TOP SHOOTING GUARD)
Preseason nominees: Williams. Previous winners: None.
Cheryl Miller Award (NATION’S TOP SMALL FORWARD)
Preseason nominees: Aubrey Griffin, sophomore; Westbrook.
Previous winners: Gabby Williams (2018).
Lisa Leslie Award (NATION’S TOP CENTER)
Preseason nominees: Nelson-Ododa. Previous winners: None.