Louisiana Tech senior forward Ayana Walker was named one of 20 finalists for the 2002 Naismith Women's College Basketball Player of the Year Award, announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club Tuesday.
Walker is averaging 13.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks a game this season while shooting 45 percent from the field and 71 percent from the free throw line. The Houston, Texas, native has recorded a Western Athletic Conference leading nine double doubles this year while also scoring in double figures in 15 of her 20 starts.
The preseason Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year ranks among the conference leaders in points, rebounds, blocks, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds.
The Naismith Board of Selectors, which includes some of the country's leading basketball coaches, journalists and administrators, began the selection process earlier this year and have reduced the number of finalists by balloting.
The winner of the Naismith Award, the most prestigious individual honor in college basketball, will be honored in Atlanta on April 5.
Women's Finalists
Chantelle Anderson, Vanderbilt
Alana Beard, Duke
Sue Bird, Connecticut
Swin Cash, Connecticut
LaNeisha Caufield, Oklahoma
Stacey Dales, Oklahoma
Deanna Jackson, UAB
Gwen Jackson, Tennessee
Sheila Lambert, Baylor
Kara Lawson, Tennessee
Kelly Mazzante, Penn State
Brandi McCain, Florida
Nicole Powell, Stanford
Michelle Snow, Tennessee
Diana Taurasi, Connecticut
LaToya Thomas, Mississippi State
Ayana Walker, Louisiana Tech
Angie Welle, Iowa State
Tamika Williams, Connecticut
Shereka Wright, Purdue