Thursday, July 12, 2007

Kevin Love named Gatorade player of the year

Basketball players Kevin Love, who will attend UCLA, and Connecticut recruit Maya Moore were honored as national high school athletes of the year Wednesday.

They are the second consecutive basketball players to win, joining last year's honorees Greg Oden of Ohio State and Tina Charles of Connecticut. In 2004, basketball players Dwight Howard and Candace Parker won.

Love received his circular silver award from New Jersey Nets star Vince Carter and Oden, the No. 1 overall pick in the recent NBA draft by Portland.

"I know that last year Greg won and to follow in his footsteps in the next year is a tremendous honor," said Love, who closed his acceptance speech with "Go Bruins."

"You're kind of dumbfounded. You kind of have to pinch yourself and ask yourself if it's real and it is, and it feels great," he said.

Love averaged 33.6 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and three blocks last season, helping Lake Oswego High to its third consecutive state title game appearance. He was a four-year varsity starter.

He also earned four other major national player of the year awards. His father, Stan, starred at Oregon and played in the NBA.

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