Wichita State’s Baker, VanVleet named to Player of the Year watch lists
Wichita State guards Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet were named to the watch lists for the Oscar Robertson Trophy and Naismith Trophy on Wednesday.
Both are national Player of the Year honors.
The Robertson Trophy is presented by the United States Basketball Writers Association and its watch list includes 33 athletes. Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky won last year’s award and Baker was one of 14 finalists.
The Naismith Trophy is presented by the Atlanta Tipoff Club and its watch list features 50 players. VanVleet was one of 10 semifinalists for the honor in 2013-14, won by Creighton’s Doug McDermott. Kaminsky earned last season’s honor.
Both Shockers are off to tough starts to their senior seasons. VanVleet has played in two games and is sidelined by a strained left hamstring. Baker is averaging 18 points and 3.8 rebounds, while making 39.5 percent of his three-pointers.
The Shockers (2-4) play at Saint Louis on Saturday and will try to break a three-game losing streak.
Paul Suellentrop: 316-269-6760, @paulsuellentrop
This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 4:27 PM with the headline "Wichita State’s Baker, VanVleet named to Player of the Year watch lists."