Written by Tom Mieskoski

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Cleveland State senior guard Norris Cole has been named one of five finalists for the 2011 Bob Cousy Award, given annually to the top point guard in the nation.

The other finalists were Jimmer Fredette of BYU, Nolan Smith of Duke, Jordan Taylor of Wisconsin, and Kemba Walker of Connecticut.

"This is a big honor for myself and my teammates because it reflects the sacrifices that this team made during the summer and off-season to improve and it honors the success that we have had this year," Cole said in a press release. "To be considered as one of the five finalists for the Bob Cousy Award shows that a player from a mid-major school can compete at the highest of levels as long as he works hard."

The winner will be announced on April 1 with the award presentation coming at the Final Four on April 4 as part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Class Announcement.

Cole, the 2011 Horizon League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, led the HL in scoring (21.6), steals (2.2) and free throw percentage (.853). He was also second in assists (5.3) and seventh in rebounding (6.0).

On Wednesday, Cole was selected to the District 12 First Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and is now eligible for the State Farm Coaches' Division I All-America team.