Kansas senior forward Wayne Simien was recognized yesterday by the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives in Topeka for his achievements during his senior season.

Simien and his parents, along with Kansas coach Bill Self and Self’s wife, Cindy, attended the ceremony where the governor read Simien’s list of career accomplishments from a proclamation:

“WHEREAS, Through his success, his positive attitude, and his strong personal character, Wayne Simien has won the respect and admiration of the entire State of Kansas; and

WHEREAS, Kansas is proud to call Wayne Simien one of its own, and no matter where a professional career or personal life may take him, Wayne Simien will always be a Jayhawk,” the proclamation read.

The Leavenworth native was named first-team All-American and Big 12 Conference player of the year during his senior season. He is one of four candidates for the Naismith Award, and he was named one of five finalists for the Wooden Award on Tuesday. Each award is given to the top player in men’s college basketball, as determined by separate committees of media voters.

The Naismith Award will be presented at the Final Four in St. Louis. The 29th annual Wooden Award will be announced April 9 in Los Angeles. Simien, his parents, Margaret and Wayne Sr., and Self will attend the event.

Joining Simien on the list of Wooden Award finalists are Utah’s Andrew Bogut, Dee Brown of Illinois, North Carolina’s Sean May and Duke’s J.J. Redick

Simien was also named one of 10 Wooden All-Americans.

The senior forward averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds per game during his senior season. He was named Big 12 player of the week three times.