Basketball Hall of Fame Announces Winner of Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 Jacob Pullen recognized as 2011 award winner
SPRINGFIELD, MA – 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.
Previous Winners of the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award
1969 William Keller, Purdue University 1991 Keith Jennings, East Tennessee State
1970 John Rinka, Kenyon 1992 Tony Bennett, Wisconsin-Green Bay
1971 Charlie Johnson, University of California 1993 Sam Crawford, New Mexico State
1972 Scott Martin, University of Oklahoma 1994 Greg Brown, University of New Mexico
1973 Robert Sherwin, Army 1995 Tyus Edney, UCLA
1974 Mike Robinson, Michigan State 1996 Eddie Benton, University of Vermont
1975 Monte Tow, North Carolina State 1997 Brevin Knight, Stanford University
1976 Frank Alagia, St. John’s 1998 Earl Boykins, E. Michigan University
1977 Jeff Jonas, Utah 1999 Shawnta Rogers, George Washington U.
1978 Mike Schieb, Susquehanna 2000 Scoonie Penn, Ohio State Universtiy
1979 Alton Byrd, Columbia 2001 Rashad Phillips, Detroit
1980 Jim Sweeney, Boston College 2002 Steve Logan, University of Connecticut
1981 Terry Adolph, West Texas State 2003 Jason Gardner, University of Arizona
1982 Jack Moore, University of Nebraska 2004 Jameer Nelson, St. Joseph’s
1983 Ray McMallum, Ball State University 2005 Nate Robinson, University of Washington
1984 Ricky Stokes, University of Virginia 2006 Dee Brown, University of Illinois
1985 Bubba Jennings, Texas Tech University 2007 Tre’ Kelley, University of South Carolina
1986 Jim Les, Bradley University 2008 Mike Green, Butler University
1987 Tyrone Bogues, Wake Forest University 2009 Darren Collison, UCLA
1988 Jerry Johnson, Florida Southern 2010 Sherron Collins, University of Kansas
1989 Tim Hardaway, UTEP
1990 Greg Harvey, St. John’s