Aug. 19, 2009

Columbia, Mo. - Mizzou Basketball senior guard J.T. Tiller, the Big 12 Conference's Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, was named a preseason candidate for the prestigious John R. Wooden Player of the Year trophy announced on Wednesday.

The list features 50 of the top players in college basketball who, based on last year's individual and team performances, are considered to be the early frontrunners for one of the top honors in college hoops this season.

Tiller enters his senior season as Mizzou's top returning scorer after averaging 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in 2008-09. While he flashed his offensive capabilities in NCAA Tournament play (13.0 ppg in four games), the Marietta, Ga., native made a name for himself nationally because of his staunch defense and efficient point guard play. In addition to sharing the Big 12's top defensive honor, Tiller was named to Fran Fraschilla's National All-Defensive Team and was picked "Captain" of Seth Davis' All-Glue Team. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder also led MU with 68 steals and 138 assists and along with fellow backcourt mate Zaire Taylor, helped Mizzou lead the country in assists per game (18.4). Tiller was also near flawless with the basketball, boasting a 2.3-to-1 assist/turnover ratio.

The NCAA All-West Region honoree was a steady scoring presence for the Tigers last year as well, reaching double figures 15 times, including a career high 23 points in the Sweet 16 win against Memphis.

Tiller and the Tigers open their 2009-10 campaign on Nov. 6 with an exhibition contest against Truman State at Mizzou Arena. Regular-season play begins on Nov. 17 against Tennessee-Martin.

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