Hidalgo, Miles Named to Wooden Award National Ballot
The John R. Wooden Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball. Named after the legendary coach of the UCLA Bruins, the award recognizes the best men’s and women’s college basketball players in the country. For many student-athletes, being named to the Wooden Award National Ballot is a tremendous honor and an indication of their exceptional performance on the court.
This season, two players from the LSU Tigers basketball program, Jasmine Hidalgo and Alexis Miles, have earned spots on the Wooden Award National Ballot, an impressive achievement that highlights their outstanding play and significant contributions to LSU’s basketball success.
Hidalgo and Miles have been crucial components of the team’s success this season, and their inclusion on the national ballot not only speaks to their individual excellence but also to the growing prominence of LSU women’s basketball on the national stage.
In this article, we will explore the significance of this achievement, examine the performances of Hidalgo and Miles throughout the season, and discuss how their inclusion on the Wooden Award National Ballot reflects the overall trajectory of the LSU basketball program.
1. Understanding the John R. Wooden Award
Before diving into the details of Hidalgo and Miles’ recognition, it’s important to understand what the John R. Wooden Award represents. First awarded in 1976, the Wooden Award honors the top men’s and women’s college basketball players in the country. It is widely regarded as the highest individual accolade a player can earn in NCAA basketball.
The award is named after John Wooden, who led the UCLA Bruins to ten NCAA championships in a 12-year span, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest basketball coaches in the history of the sport. His emphasis on hard work, discipline, and teamwork has shaped the character of the players and teams that have been honored with the award.
The Wooden Award National Ballot is typically comprised of 20 players from both the men’s and women’s games who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact on their respective teams. These players are selected based on their performances throughout the season, as well as their contributions to their team’s overall success. Being named to the ballot is a prestigious honor and is often a precursor to further recognition, including All-American status.
2. Jasmine Hidalgo: A Rising Star
One of the players named to the Wooden Award National Ballot is Jasmine Hidalgo, a standout guard for the LSU Tigers. Hidalgo, who has been a key player for LSU throughout the season, has displayed an impressive combination of scoring ability, playmaking skills, and defensive prowess. Her leadership and consistent performance have made her a key part of LSU’s success this year.
Hidalgo’s Performance and Stats
Hidalgo’s numbers speak for themselves. Throughout the season, she has been a consistent scoring threat, averaging over 18 points per game. Her ability to attack the basket and finish in traffic has been one of her standout skills. She is also known for her perimeter shooting, boasting a solid three-point percentage that makes her a dual threat on offense.
Beyond her scoring, Hidalgo’s playmaking ability has been instrumental to LSU’s offense. As a point guard, she has averaged 5.2 assists per game, making her one of the team’s primary facilitators. Her court vision and basketball IQ allow her to make smart decisions in high-pressure situations, setting up her teammates for easy buckets and contributing to LSU’s fast-paced, up-tempo style of play.
Hidalgo has also been a critical asset on defense, frequently drawing tough assignments against the opposing team’s best players. Her ability to lock down defenders, anticipate passes, and create turnovers has played a major role in LSU’s defensive success.
Leadership and Impact
As a leader on and off the court, Hidalgo’s impact goes beyond her statistics. She is the heart and soul of LSU’s team, providing stability and confidence in close games. Her leadership has been evident in key moments, such as when LSU has faced adversity or needed a clutch performance. Hidalgo has embraced her role as a leader, not only helping to guide the younger players but also serving as a motivator and example of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of college basketball.
Hidalgo’s performance this season has been integral to LSU’s success, and her inclusion on the Wooden Award National Ballot is a reflection of the impact she has had on her team and the college basketball landscape as a whole.
3. Alexis Miles: Dominant in the Paint
Alongside Hidalgo, Alexis Miles has also earned a spot on the Wooden Award National Ballot, further demonstrating LSU’s depth and talent. Miles, a forward/center known for her physicality and rebounding ability, has been a dominant force in the paint for the Tigers. Her skill set and consistent play have made her one of the most impactful players in the country.
Miles’ Performance and Stats
Miles has been a double-double machine for LSU this season, regularly posting impressive numbers in both points and rebounds. Averaging 17 points per game and 11 rebounds per game, Miles has been one of the most dominant interior players in the country. Her ability to control the glass, particularly on the offensive end, has been crucial for LSU’s second-chance opportunities and overall efficiency.
In addition to her rebounding, Miles has been a key post player for LSU. She has displayed a wide array of moves around the basket, including powerful post-ups, hooks, and quick spins, making her a tough matchup for opposing defenders. Her size and strength allow her to dominate in the paint, while her basketball IQ enables her to make smart decisions when scoring opportunities arise.
Miles is also known for her shot-blocking ability, protecting the rim and making it difficult for opponents to score inside. Her presence in the post has helped anchor LSU’s defense, as she is often the first line of defense against opposing post players.
Leadership and Impact
Miles, like Hidalgo, has taken on a leadership role for LSU, and her contributions extend beyond her statistics. Her relentless work ethic, physicality, and competitiveness have made her an emotional leader for the team. Her ability to perform in clutch situations, particularly when the game is on the line, has been a major factor in LSU’s success.
Miles has also served as a mentor for the team’s younger players, offering guidance and encouragement as they transition into higher levels of competition. Her leadership has been a key element of LSU’s chemistry, as she is both a vocal presence on the floor and an example of how hard work and dedication can pay off.
With her outstanding performances throughout the season, Miles has established herself as one of the most complete players in the country. Her inclusion on the Wooden Award National Ballot is a testament to her excellence and the impact she has had on LSU’s success.
4. The Significance of Being Named to the Wooden Award National Ballot
The inclusion of both Jasmine Hidalgo and Alexis Miles on the Wooden Award National Ballot represents a major milestone for LSU women’s basketball. This honor underscores not only their individual performances but also the growing prominence of LSU’s program.
LSU has been a consistent contender in women’s basketball, and with players like Hidalgo and Miles, the Tigers are continuing to establish themselves as one of the top programs in the nation. Their recognition on the national ballot puts LSU on the map as a program capable of producing high-caliber players and competing for championships.
Being named to the Wooden Award National Ballot is a highly coveted recognition. It serves as a reflection of the players’ hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent throughout the season. For Hidalgo and Miles, this recognition validates their contributions to LSU’s success and places them among the elite players in the country.
Additionally, the inclusion of two players from LSU on the ballot is a testament to the program’s commitment to developing top-tier talent. Under the guidance of head coach Kim Mulkey, LSU has cultivated an environment where players can thrive both individually and as part of a team. This recognition helps reinforce LSU’s position as a major player in the world of women’s college basketball.
5. Looking Ahead: The Final Push for the Wooden Award
With both Hidalgo and Miles now officially on the Wooden Award National Ballot, the next phase of the process will involve the voting committee determining who will ultimately be awarded the prestigious honor. Voters will evaluate the players based on their performances throughout the season, considering not only their statistics but also their leadership, impact on their team, and consistency in big games.
For Hidalgo and Miles, this is an exciting opportunity to showcase their excellence on the national stage. However, while the Wooden Award is the ultimate goal, both players are focused on one thing above all else: helping LSU win a national championship. Their leadership, skill, and determination will be crucial as LSU looks to make a deep run in the postseason and add another title to their storied history.