Baylor Bears senior guard Pierre Jackson received a big honor Thursday. He was named to the preseason top 50 watch list for the Wooden Award. Jackson averaged 13.8 points per game and 5.9 assists per contest last season, helping the Bears to the Elite Eight before falling to the eventual national champion Kentucky Wildcats, 82-70. Jackson led the Bears in scoring last season but will have to pick up more of the slack as Perry Jones III and Quincy Acy have departed. Jackson and junior guard Brady Heslip make up one of the most talented back courts in the NCAA. The Bears will try to challenge the Kansas Jayhawks to be the kings of the Big 12.

More good news for the Bears as freshman center Isaiah Austin was named one of the 15 players who could make the midseason or final list. Freshman and transfers aren't eligible for the preseason list but can be added later on and eventually win. Last season, Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis took home the Wooden Award before declaring for the NBA Draft.

The Wooden Award is awarded annually to college's most outstanding male and female player.