WACO _ Baylor center collected some more precious hardware Wednesday when the U.S. Basketball Writers Association selected her as the National Freshman Of The Year for the 2009-'10 season.
Griner is averaging 18.6, 8.6 rebounds and a nation-leading 6.4 blocks per game while leading the Lady Bears to a 27-9 record and a berth in the NCAA Final Four. After being a YouTube sensation while dunking in high school, the 6-8 freshman from Houston Aldine Nimitz has rapidly changed the face of women's basketball.
"I can't think of a freshman in the country who has impacted her team any more than Brittney Griner,'' Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said. "She is the best freshman in the country.''
While being a serious offensive threat that attracts constant double- and triple-teams, Griner also set a single-season NCAA record for blocks this year with 218. She also established a new NCAA Tournament record for blocks with 35 -- in four games -- with at least one more game remaining Sunday at 8:30 p.m. against No. 1-ranked Connecticut.
In addition to her latest honor, Griner also has been named second-team All-American by the Associated Press, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, the co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12, and first team All-Big 12.
-- Dwain Price
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