Cody Linn
Marshall Athletics

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall basketball senior point guard, and reigning Conference USA Tournament MVP, Jon Elmore was named to the John R. Wooden Award Preseason Watch List, Tuesday.
Earlier this offseason, Elmore withdrew his name from NBA Draft consideration and announced his plans to return for his senior season.
A member of the league’s all-conference first team and three-time C-USA Player of the week this past season, Elmore helped the Herd to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 31 years and the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory. The rising senior became the first player in league history to lead C-USA in points and assists in consecutive seasons.
Last season, Elmore broke the school single-season records for points (816), assists (244), free throws (232) and free throw attempts (281). During the 2017-18 season, Elmore led the team in three-pointers (98), three-point field goal attempts (275) and field goals (554), while he also led the nation in triple-doubles (two).
Through 96 career games, the Charleston, W.Va., native is fourth on the program’s scoring list (1,888 points), third in made 3-pointers (242), third in assists (592) and second in made free throws (518).
Of all of the players returning to college basketball for the 2018-19 season, Elmore ranked second last season in points and first in total assists.
The players on the list are considered strong candidates for the 2019 John R. Wooden Award Men’s Player of the Year presented by Wendy’s. Players not chosen to the preseason list are still eligible for the Wooden Award™ midseason list, late season list, and the National Ballot.
The National Ballot consists of 15 top players who have proven to their universities that they meet or exceed the qualifications of the Wooden Award. Nearly 1,000 voters will rank in order 10 of those 15 players when voting opens prior to the NCAA Tournament and will allow voters to take into consideration performance during early round games.
The Wooden Award All American Team™ will be announced the week of the “Elite Eight” round of the NCAA Tournament.
The winner of the 2019 John R. Wooden Award will be presented by Wendy’s during the ESPN College Basketball Awards on Friday, April 12.