Kansas' Wayne Simien Named First-Team All-America by Associated Press

March 22, 2005

Kansas senior Wayne Simien was named to The Associated Press’ All-America first team announced Tuesday.

Joining Simien on the first team was Utah’s Andrew Bogut, Duke’s J.J. Redick, Wake Forest’s Chris Paul and Hakim Warrick of Syracuse.

“It’s a great honor being on the same list with such great players,” Simien said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my teammates and a great coach like Coach (Bill) Self.”

Simien had an outstanding career despite what seemed like constant injuries. He missed 28 games over his first three years with various injuries and he missed four games this season after having surgery on his thumb. Still, he averaged 20.3 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 55.2 percent from the field and 81.6 percent at the free throw line to become the Jayhawks’ first All-American since Nick Collison in 2003.

“He had the best year of any player I have ever coached,” Kansas’ Bill Self said. “It’s amazing the adversity he has been through but he remains so positive. His play is a direct reflection of his attitude.”