Kansas University senior Sherron Collins and junior Cole Aldrich were each named 2009-10 preseason candidates for the men’s basketball John R. Wooden Award All-American Team and Player of the Year trophy announced Wednesday by Richard “Duke” Llewellyn, Wooden Award Chairman and founder.

Of the 50 candidates listed, Collins was one of five to have appeared on the Wooden Award ballot at season’s end. The other four: Luke Harangody of Notre Dame, Duke’s Kyle Singler, Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas and Purdue’s Robbie Hummel. Hummel was on the 2008 ballot while the others were on the 2009 ballot.

“There are a lot of great guys on that list and this says a lot for me and Cole,” Collins said. “They break the list down as the season goes along and hopefully we can play to our potential and stay on the list.”

Collins and Aldrich were first team all-Big 12 picks a year ago.

“This is an honor for me and Sherron to be mentioned with those great players,” Aldrich said. “Preseason honors are nice and normally a reflection of our team’s potential. Right now we’re in the weight room just trying to get ready for the upcoming season.”

Other Big 12 players on the list: Craig Brackins, Iowa State; Damion James, Texas; J.T. Tiller, Missouri and Willie Warren, Oklahoma.