OU's Ellenberg Among Candidates for Top Honor

Oklahoma's Aaryn Ellenberg tops the 2013-14 "Wade Watch" preseason list of candidates for women's college basketball most prestigious award, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced Tuesday.

In its 37th year, The Wade Trophy is named in honor of the late, legendary three-time national champion Delta State University coach Lily Margaret Wade. Regarded as "The Heisman of Women's Basketball," the award is presented annually to the NCAA Division I Player of the Year by the National Association of Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) and the WBCA.

Ellenberg was an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press and All-Big 12 First Team selection last season after leading the Sooners and finishing third in league scoring with 18.7 points per game. The sharpshooter hit 115 3-pointers as a junior to set OU's single-season and career records for makes beyond the arc.

The Las Vegas native leads a squad that returns four starters from its Sweet 16 appearance in March and welcomes six newcomers in 2013-14.

Ellenberg earned a gold medal as a member of Team USA's World University Games championship during the summer. Ellenberg started five of six games, averaging 9.2 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 38 percent (9-of-24) from 3-point range.

The 25-member preseason list is composed of top NCAA Division I women's basketball players who best embody Wade's spirit from 18 different institutions and seven conferences. A committee of coaches, administrators and media from across the United States compiled the list using the following criteria: game and season statistics, leadership, character, effect on their team, and overall playing ability.

Oklahoma tips off its season Saturday, Nov. 2, with an exhibition game against Cameron University at the Lloyd Noble Center at 7 p.m. Central. The game will be televised on FOX College Sports by Sooner Sports TV.