MKRob Sports

Lawrenceville, Georgia native and UConn’s star forward Maya Moore was announced as the winner of the 2009 John R. Wooden Award as women’s college basketball’s top player.

Moore won the women’s award, four days after winning the national title and completing a perfect season for UConn.

The sophomore, who became the first UConn player to win the award since it was given to women starting in 2004, beat out Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris, with 176 votes to Paris’ 133.

Winning the award ranked high on her list, but came in second to winning the title.

“It’s up there. I think winning the national championship is the greatest thing because so many people are a part of it,” Moore said.

“But to be associated with a man like John Wooden is great. He’s done so much for basketball and I think is a large part of where we are today. A lot of coaches have learned from him and I’ve been able to benefit from the legacy he left. This is a great honor.”

The Oklahoma sophomore won the John R. Wooden Award as college basketball’s top player on Friday only three days after he announced that he would turn pro.

DeJuan Blair and Tyler Hansborough, two other finalists, did not show up for the ceremony, which was held at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Griffin, who became the first Oklahoma player to win the award, led the nation with 30 double-doubles.

“It means a lot to me to represent my state and represent my school. It’s really very humbling,” Griffin said.

The forward was a bit subdued during the affair, mostly because he was hungry.

“We placed our orders for dinner a while ago, so I’m waiting on that. It’s been a while.”

The award gave Griffin a sweep of this season’s individual honors. The forward won The Associated Press player of the year earlier this month as well as the Naismith award. He was also picked by The Sporting News as player of the year.