Photo courtesy of UNI Athletics Communications
As the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, Tuttle was nominated for the weekly award, which was chosen by a representative of the USBWA board of directors from a list of Division I conference players of the week. This is the sixth season that the USBWA has selected a national player of the week.
Tuttle, a 6-8 senior from Sheffield, Iowa, scored a career-high 29 points in leading UNI to a 70-54 win over No. 12 Wichita State on Saturday. Tuttle made 9-of-13 shots from the field and 10-of-13 free throws while grabbing seven rebounds against the Shockers.
Earlier in the week, Tuttle earned his fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds in a 59-52 win at Southern Illinois. Tuttle averaged 21.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.5 assists in helping the Panthers to the two conference wins.
Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation’s oldest award and the only one named after a former player.
Oscar Robertson Trophy At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, which is voted on by the entire membership. The winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy will be announced at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards on April 14, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Henry Iba Coach of the Year Award and the Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award will also be presented at the gala to be held annually following the NCAA Men’s Final Four.
