Jordan McRae & Jarnell Stokes Named To Wooden Award Watch List

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Nov 9, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Kennesaw State Owls guard Markeith Cummings (2) and Tennessee Volunteers guard Jordan McRae (52) and forward Jarnell Stokes (5) during the game at Thompson Boling Arena. Tennessee won by a score of 76 to 67. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday, two Tennessee Volunteers were named to the watch list for one of the most prestigious awards in college basketball.

Senior Jordan McRae and junior Jarnell Stokes were named to the watch list for the John R. Wooden Award.

The Wooden award is given annually to the “most outstanding” college basketball player in the nation.

The award has been given out every year since it’s inception in 1977.

Trey Burke of Michigan won the award last season.

There has never been a men’s basketball player from Tennessee to win the award. Candace Parker won the award in back to back years on the women’s side.

The list will be narrowed down to 25 in January, with finalists being named in March.

The winner is announced following the NCAA men’s championship game.

Both Jordan McRae and Jarnell Stokes passed up opportunities to declare for the NBA draft to return to Tennessee for another season.

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