Patterson, Wall named to midseason Wooden list

As we bask in the glow of little William Thomas Beisner (which beat out Bryan the Intern Beisner by a hair in final name choices) arriving in this Big Blue world, we must remember that there is still news happening all around us and I'd be falling down on my fake responsibilities if I didn't bring it to you even though little Beez is already John Wall dancing. This managed to slip by us for the last day or so in the midst of Rich Brooks, etc., but both Patrick Patterson and John Wall were named midseason finalists (semi-finalists?...quarter?...honestly, this thing is like the blogger contest) for the John R. Wooden Award, given to the nation's most outstanding player annually. Wall is one of two freshman, along with Zah-Vee-Ay Hen-ree, to make the list, and Wall and Patterson join Jarvis Varnado as the only SEC representatives. The Big East leads with six, including Luke Harangody and not including Peyton Siva. Kansas is the only team with three on the watch list, with Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins joining Hen-ree. Duke also managed to place two players, Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer. Kentucky has never had a Wooden Award winner, as most of the trophies the Cats have received have been brass or some other kind of alloy, but they have put several players on the Wooden All-America team. Most recently was Tayshaun Prince, but Scott Padgett, Ron Mercer and Jamal Mashburn all received the honor in the 1990's. I have a sneaking suspicion we'll be adding to the list this season. The team will be announced in late March, with the winner accepting the trophy in an extremely awkward interview conducted in a fake locker room. Go Cats and congrats Beisner! [Wooden Award] Hunter Campbell lives in Louisville and writes for Kentucky Sports Radio, in case you hadn't noticed. He won the first installment of the "Who Wants to Be a Blogger" Contest and joined the site in December 2008. You can contact him here via email.