SPRINGFIELD, Mass.-Fan voting for the 2008 Bob Cousy Award presented by The Hartford begins Friday, February 1. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced the list of candidates for the award that honors the nation’s top collegiate point guard, including six that compete at Division II institutions.  Click Here To Visit The Cousy Award Web Site

Nominations are solicited from colleges and universities in all divisions across the country.  The finalists will be announced and fan voting begin on February 1.  The winner will be presented with the prestigious award at the NCAA Men’s Final Four in San Antonio Texas on Monday, April 7.

The award, named after Hall of Fame point guard Bob Cousy, is given to the player who recognizes core basketball skills, recognizes the importance of their position on the team, and directs successful team play. Past winners include current NBA stars Raymond Felton, Jameer Nelson, Dee Brown and 2007 NBA Lottery Draft Pick Acie Law IV.

The 2008 finalists will be selected by screening committees comprised of members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) representing all three divisions of collegiate basketball.  The winner will then be chosen by a Blue Ribbon committee which includes one vote that will be cast by an on-line “Fan Vote”.  The Blue Ribbon committee is comprised of Hall of Famers including Bob Cousy, Dean Smith and Jim Calhoun, college coaches from Divisions I, II and III, members of the media and additional college basketball experts and celebrities. 

The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services companies, with 2006 revenues of $26.5 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance. International operations are located in Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.

Bob Cousy Award presented by The Hartford 2008 Nominees 

Division II Bob Cousy Award Nominees	Institution
Luke Cooper	Alaska-Anchorage
Steve Dagostino	St. Rose
Jeffrey Dosado	American International
Quincy Marshall	Holy Family
Jonny Reibel	Rollins
Carlos Williams	Bowie State

(Source Cousy Award)