Colorado's KJ Simpson named to Wooden award watch list

The junior point guard has been crucial to Colorado’s success

Darren Yamashita, USA Today

KJ Simpson has been named to the top 25 midseason watch list for the John R. Wooden Award. He joins a prestigious group, including Purdue's Zach Edey, who took home the award last year. 

Simpson is averaging 19.9 points per game, while collecting 4.3 assists and 4.9 rebounds. He also became the 40th Buffs player to reach 1,000 career points. 

After the recent win against Washington, Head Coach Tad Boyle spoke about KJ Simpson’s impact. “He’s having an All-American kind of year. Look at the numbers, he’s the best point guard in the PAC-12. It’s not even close, it’s not even up for debate in my mind. I think he’s one of the best in the country.”

Simpson will look to lead Colorado against USC on Saturday night (10 p.m. ET/ TV: ESPN2). A pivotal game for the Buffs after dropping three straight, including a brutal 82-78 loss to Cal after surrendered a 20-point lead.

It will be a great matchup with the Trojans and the first time Bronny James comes to Boulder in his career. The son of NBA superstar LeBron James was down to Colorado and USC as his final two teams as a recruit over a year ago.