BOSTON – University of Dayton junior DaRon Holmes II was named finalist Wednesday for the Lute Olson Award, which goes to the national college player of the year.  

Holmes is also on the national ballot for the Los Angeles Athletic Club's Wooden Award and All-America Team, the national player of the year watch list for the USBWA's Oscar Robertson Trophy, as well as a finalist for the Basketball Hall of Fame's Karl Malone award. 

He has also been named to five All-America teams so far this season.  He was honored by the Associated Press (second team) The Sporting News (second team), USBWA (third team) ESPN.com (third team) and Field of 68 (third team) earlier this season.  
 
Holmes was named the Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Year, a First Team All-Atlantic 10 member, and the A-10 Defensive Player of the Year last week.
 
During the regular season, Holmes led the Flyers in scoring (20.4), rebounding (8.4), blocked shots (2.1) and FG% (.545, 204-374).  

The junior from Goodyear, Ariz. led the Atlantic 10 in scoring and rebounding.  He is the only player in the top five for both.
 
Holmes II is one of two players in NCAA Division I who has more than 65 blocks, 65 dunks and 65 assists this season.  Holmes has 66, 67 and 78 respectively.  Purdue's Zach Edey is the other.
 
Dayton, 24-7 on the year, will play its next game in the NCAA Tournament against Nevada on Thursday, March 21 in Salt Lake City.