Wall, Cousins among Naismith finalists

Kentucky freshmen John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins are among 30 players named as midseason candidates for the Naismith Award.

Two other SEC players made the list: South Carolina guard Devan Downey and Mississippi State center Jarvis Varnado.

Besides Kentucky, only one other program placed two candidates on the list. Kansas played guard Sherron Collins and center Cole Aldrich.

As a presenting sponsor since 2005, AT&T helps fans participate in determining this year’s winner. Fan voting via text messaging will account for 25 percent of the final results.

Beginning March 22, AT&T wireless customers — and sports fans on other wireless networks — will be able to text their votes for the player of their choice. Fans will be eligible to cast their vote for the winner until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 3, 2010. AT&T is making the voting open to other wireless carriers, allowing even more fans to participate. Other wireless carriers must opt-in for their subscribers to participate. Standard messaging rates apply.

As a presenting sponsor since 2005, AT&T has set the standard in fan participation in determining this year’s winner. Through the power and ease of text messaging, fan voting will account for an unprecedented 25 percent of the final results — more than any other national college basketball award.

Beginning March 22, AT&T wireless customers — and sports fans on other wireless networks — will be able to text their votes for the player of their choice. Fans will be eligible to cast their vote for the winner until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 3, 2010. AT&T is making the voting open to other wireless carriers, allowing even more fans to participate. Other wireless carriers must opt-in for their subscribers to participate. Standard messaging rates apply.