UNLV’s Mike Moser named to The Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 list

Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

UNLV forward Mike Moser yells encouragement to teammate Justin Hawkins during their game against San Diego State Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 at Viejas Arena in San Diego.

By Taylor Bern (contact)

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 | 2:30 p.m.

UNLV sophomore forward Mike Moser was named to The John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 list, which was announced Tuesday by The Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Moser, who's averaging 13.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, is the only Mountain West player on the list. However, it does include players from two UNLV victories earlier this season, with three from North Carolina (Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Kendall Marshall) and Orlando Johnson of UC Santa Barbara.

Moser's rebounding average ranks seventh in the country, and he's shooting 47.2 percent from the field in 19 starts.

All players are considered for the list, which is based on their performance from the start of the season until now. The list will be reevaluated before the official ballot, which consists of about 20 players, is released in March. Progress towards graduation an maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA are also requirements.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or taylor.bern@lasvegassun.com. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.