The Southeastern Conference unveiled its regular-season award winners, the league announced on Tuesday morning.
After not being named as a Wooden Award finalist for “not meeting the proper requirements,” as LSU coach Johnny Jones confirmed on Monday, Ben Simmons wasn’t flustered.
“No, I don’t really look into things like that,” Simmons said. “I’m not into looking up the finalists, or things like that. I still don’t know who’s up for it.”
Simmons said he “missed a couple of classes” to the media on Monday in response to a question asked to why he didn’t make the finalists list.
Awards or not, Simmons considers himself a part of the basketball’s premier echelon.
“I know I’m one of the best players regardless,” Simmons said. “I’m blessed to be on a team like this, and to be able to win the SEC Championship.”
Beyond the possibility of being named the national Player of the Year, Simmons tallied the SEC’s Freshman of the Year on Tuesday, as well as a member of the First-Team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman Team.
Antonio Blakeney joined Simmons on the SEC’s All-Freshman Team.
You can reach Christian Boutwell on Twitter: @CBoutwell_TDR.