AP selects Hawkins as best college player

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Hersey Hawkins' ascent to the top in collegebasketball began the day Bradley University hired Stan Albeck ascoach.

Albeck, a National Basketball Association coach for 17 years,installed a pro-style offense that allowed Hawkins to blossom, andFriday, the 6-3 senior guard received the Adolph F. Rupp Trophy asThe Associated Press college basketball player of the year.

"I want to give thanks to Coach Albeck for giving me the freedomon the court to go out and do some things he probably wouldn't allowother players to do," Hawkins said. "He allowed me to do things thatI really didn't think I was capable of doing.

"I think he gave me confidence …