Chris Paul named Midseason MVP by Charles Barkley

Chris Paul’s remarkable season in leading the New Orleans Hornets back to the top of the NBA Western Conference hasn’t gone unnoticed. TNT analyst Charles Barkley has picked Paul, who is averaging 20.3 points and 10.8 assists,  as his Mid-Season MVP. Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant received the most votes, three, being picked by Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson and Reggie Miller.

Hornets coach Byron Scott and forward David West also were recognized by TNT’s panel of six analysts. Scott, who has directed the Hornets to a 32-15 record  —  which ties Dallas as second-best in the Western Conference  —  was named Coach of the Year by Barkley, Johnson and Miller. West, who is averaging 19.3 points and 9.1 assists, was named most improved player by Barkley and Mike Fratello.

Seattle SuperSonics forward Kevin Durant was named Rookie of the Year by four analysts, although Barkley abstained from voting. Durant is averaging 19.6 points and 4.2 rebounds for the lowly Sonics (12-36).

TNT will be in New Orleans next week to cover all the NBA All-Star Game festivities.

TNT interviews Hornets: TNT’s Jim Huber interviewed Paul and West after they were named All-Star reserves on Jan. 31.

Paul on what has led to the success of the Hornets: “We are playing together every night, we go out and we want to see each other succeed. It’s not about the All-Star game or individual achievement, it’s about playing together.”

West on Barkley’s assessment that he’s an underrated player: “I don’t mind, I want to go out and play basketball and I don’t worry about the other stuff.

”Smith: “You’re not underrated once you get named an All-Star.”

Super Bowl to be replayed: The most-watched Super Bowl in history, Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, will be replayed in a condensed 90-minute version at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the NFL Network (Cox 252). The game also will be replayed at 11 p.m. Wednesday, noon and 4 p.m. Thursday and 3:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday.

Pat Knight debut on ESPNU: Just two days after Hall of Fame coach Bob Knight announced his immediate retirement, Texas Tech will take the court against Baylor under the helm of his son Pat Knight. The game will be televised on ESPNU at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Doug Bell, Reid Gettys and Holly Rowe will call the game.

Bob Knight Marathon on ESPN Classic: In addition, ESPN Classic will televise a 10-hour Bob Knight Marathon from 6 p.m Tuesday through 4 a.m. Wednesday.

6 p.m. – SportsCentury: Bob Knight; 6:30 p.m. – Top 5 Reasons You Can’t Blame Bob Knight for his repeated outbursts; 7 p.m. – 1976 National Championship Michigan vs.
Indiana; 9 p.m. – 1981 National Championship UNC vs. Indiana; 11 a.m. – 1987 National Championship Syracuse vs. Indiana; 1 a.m. – 1985 Purdue vs. Indiana (Knight throws chair); 3 a.m. – Top 5 Reasons You Can’t Blame Bob Knight for his repeated outbursts. 3:30 a.m. – SportsCentury: Bob Knight.

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