Wes Johnson was selected 2009-10 BIG EAST Conference Player of the Year. The award was announced at a press conference conducted on March 10 at Madison Square Garden. The league’s coaches voted on the honor.
"I want to thank Coach Boeheim for giving me the opportunity to play at Syracuse," said Johnson, after receiving the award. "I want to thank the coaching staff especially Coach (Rob) Murphy for working with me day in and day out to enhance my skill level.
"It wouldn't be possible without my teammates. We have a team full of MVPs not just me. So a piece of this trophy goes out to all of them."
Johnson played two years at Iowa State before transferring to Syracuse. After sitting out one season, he suited up with the Orange this winter. Johnson has started all 31 games this year and leads Syracuse in scoring (15.7), rebounding (8.5) and minutes played (34.5). He has scored in double digits in 28-of-31 contests and has posted 11 double-doubles.
He was named first-team all-conference. Johnson was named to FoxSports.com’s All-American First Team and Second-Team All-American by Sporting News.
Other Syracuse players who have earned conference player of the year honors include: Derrick Coleman (1989-90), Billy Owens (1990-91), Hakim Warrick (2004-05). Johnson is the first transfer student to earn BIG EAST Conference Player of the Year honors.