(by John Rhode) First-year standouts have become the face of men's college basketball, and the nation's top freshman now will be honored with an award named after former Oklahoma great Wayman Tisdale.

Organizers of the Wayman Tisdale Award already have an alliance with the United States Basketball Writers Association, which will serve as the election body and present the honor annually at the Final Four site.

The USBWA's endorsement and Tisdale's name give the honor instant credibility. ....read more from The Oklahoman