From our friends at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts today announced the winner of the 2011 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award. This award is given annually to one senior, six-foot and under, who thrived in the classroom and on the playing court.
This year’s winner is Jacob Pullen from Kansas State University. Jacob averaged more than 20 points per game this year for the Wildcats, leading them to a 23-11 record and an appearance in the third round of the NCAA tournament. With his 38 points against Wisconsin in his final game, Jacob also became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,132 points. He also ranks on the Kansas State all-time list for steals, three-point field goals and assists and holds career records for games played and double-digit scoring games.
The school’s first three-time team captain, Pullen will graduate with a degree in criminology from Kansas State in May 2010. He has been involved in several community service projects, including Read to Achieve, Adopt A Family, Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.
“We are proud to honor Jacob Pullen with the 2011 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award”, stated John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “The combination of his success on the court, and his achievements in the classroom as a student-athlete, make him a deserving recipient who exemplifies the qualities this award is designed to celebrate.”
The Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award is named in honor of James Naismith’s daughter-in-law. A panel of representatives from the National Association of Basketball Coaches selects the recipient. To earn the award, the recipient must demonstrate leadership, character, loyalty, all-around basketball ability, and excellence in the classroom.
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Birthplace of Basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate, men and women. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website at www.hoophall.com or call 413-781-6500.
