Thabeet National Defensive Player Of Year

UConn , of course, is not in the Final Four. But the Huskies were well represented this weekend in San Antonio.

Sophomore center Hasheem Thabeet, was named the NABC national defensive player of the year, and coach Jim Calhoun was presented with the Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award Sunday night.

Thabeet, who is contemplating a jump to the NBA , averaged 4.5 blocks this season, which ranked third in the nation. He was named the Big East defensive player of the year last month after averaging 5.2 blocks in league play. His 94 blocks broke Alonzo Mourning 's record of 93 (1991-92) for the most in conference play.

Former UConn center Emeka Okafor won the same award as a sophomore in 2002-03 and as a junior in 2003-04.

Hasheem Thabeet, is expected to announce in the next few weeks whether he will return to UConn next season.

Calhoun, a prostate cancer survivor, was honored for his dedication to the American Cancer Society. The Champion Award is Coaches vs. Cancer's highest honor.

Calhoun has been involved with Coaches vs. Cancer since 1997 and has served on its council for nearly four years. Through various fundraising efforts, Calhoun, his wife, Pat, and their supporters have raised close to a million dollars.

Rose can't stomach media: Memphis freshman guard Derrick Rose had a stomach ailment that forced him to miss media sessions Sunday but will play in the NCAA title game tonight against Kansas . Derrick Rose received treatment from trainers instead of talking to reporters.

Rose arrived for the group interview with the starters and coach John Calipari, then whispered to Calipari. They went into the hall together, then Calipari returned alone.

'He said his stomach was bothering him,' Calipari said. 'I told him to go back and see the trainer.'

Western Kentucky hires Texas assistant: Texas assistant coach Ken McDonald will take over as coach at Western Kentucky. McDonald, 38, replaces Darrin Horn, who left last week to coach South Carolina. McDonald's base salary will be $250,000. The length of the deal has not been determined.

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