SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (4/11/04)- Saint Joseph's
Jameer Nelson continues to make history as he was chosen to receive the 36th annual 2004 Male Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award given by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to the best college player in the country 6-feet or under. It marks the first time ever that the consensus National Player of the Year is the winner of the Pomeroy Naismith Award.
Nelson, a 5-11 point guard, recently completed a sweep of the national player of the year awards as he received the John R. Wooden Award.
Nelson has also earned the Naismith Award, the Oscar Robertson Trophy from the USBWA, the Rupp Award, the Associated Press Player of the Year award, and shared the NABC Player of the Year award. He was chosen the recipient of the inaugural Bob Cousy Point Guard, also given by the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Nelson was the catalyst for the Hawks' magical 30-2 season, topping the team in points (20.2), assists (5.3) and steals (2.9).
Arguably the greatest player to wear the Hawk uniform, Nelson finished his career as the school's all-time leader in points (2, 094), assists (713) and steals (256). He joined with Tyrone Barley to form the winningest four-year class in school history with a 98-27 record and four consecutive post-season appearances.
The award was voted on by the National Basketball Coaches Association. Last year's Naismith Award recipient was Jason Gardner of Arizona. Frances Pomeroy Naismith is the daughter-in-law of James Naismith, the inventor of the sport of basketball..
