Oladipo Named National Player of the Year by The Sporting News

INDIANA PRESS RELEASE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana junior guard Victor Oladipo has been named the 2013 National Player of the Year by The Sporting News, announced on Wednesday, March 13. Oladipo becomes the third IU player to win the award, joining Calbert Cheaney(1993) and Scott May (1976).

Oladipo's rise toward elite status has been one of the more improbable stories of this college basketball season, but as it turns out Oladipo was the engine that makes the Hoosiers a true national championship contender. The reason being, Oladipo is an incredibly versatile defender, his quick first step is almost unguardable on the perimeter and coach Tom Creandoesn't hesitate to give him assignments all over the court.

"We are excited and honored that The Sporting News has recognized Victor with this award," said IU head coach Tom Crean. "Victor never takes a day off, literally. To give you an example, we were done with practice the other day at 4:00 p.m.  At 4:15 p.m. we went into the film room, there's meetings, and it's 6:30 p.m. and he is still out there working on his shot. He has made this his life's calling on that court. He is a phenomenal student and is going to graduate in three years. He never, ever takes a day off from getting himself better. That's impressive."

Oladipo, a native of Upper Marlboro, Md., was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, along with earning First Team All-Big Ten and The Sporting News First Team All-America honors. A finalist for the Wooden Award and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, he has led the Big Ten in steals (2.2 spg) and is averaging 13.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game over 31 games this season. Oladipo is also shooting a Big Ten best 61.4 percent from the field, to go along with 46.4 percent from beyond the arc.

The Hoosiers open the postseason on Friday, March 15, when they take on the winner of the No. 8 Illinois/No. 9 Minnesota in the 2013 Big Ten Tournament at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN at the United Center in Chicago. Friday's game will also air live on the IU Radio Network.