Villanova’s Brunson, South Carolina’s Wilson win Wooden Awards

LOS ANGELES — Jalen Brunson of national champion Villanova and A'ja Wilson of South Carolina won the John R. Wooden Award as national players of the year Friday night.

They received their trophies during the fourth annual College Basketball Awards in a nationally televised show from The Novo in downtown Los Angeles.

Brunson also claimed the Bob Cousy point guard of the year award, having averaged over 18 points while helping Villanova win its second national title in three years. Brunson claimed a slew of honors, including The Associated Press men's player of the year. He helped the Wildcats spend a nation's-best eight weeks at No. 1 in the AP Top 25 this season.

Brunson is the second player to win the national title and Wooden Award in the same year, and the first Wildcats player to earn the Wooden honor. Oklahoma's Trae Young was among the award's top candidates.

"It really truly does mean a lot," he said. "There's been so many great players that have come through Villanova. Being the first one is something I take great pride in."

Wilson helped South Carolina to its first title last year and averaged 22.6 points and 11.8 rebounds for the team this season before the Gamecocks lost to UConn in the NCAA Tournament regional final. She was also the AP women's player of the year and is expected to be the first pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.

Wilson finished her college career as South Carolina's scoring and blocks leader.