Top 10 Athletes of the Year: 2010
Here’s my opinion of the Top 10 Athletes of the Year. The rankings are based upon a player’s dominance in the level of their respective sport. Individual and team accomplishments are looked at.
Criteria:
- At least one athlete from each sport (College Football, College Basketball, NFL, NBA, MLB, Golf, Tennis)
- No more than two athletes from each sport
- At least one woman athlete must be on the list
10. LeBron James
Before taking his talents to South Beach, LeBron was unanimously chosen as the 2009-10 NBA MVP. This season, he has averaged 24.8 points per game, along with 7.2 assists per game for the Miami Heat.
9. Evan Turner
The Ohio State basketball superstar won the Naismith Award, the Wooden Award and was chosen second overall in the NBA Draft.
8. Roy Halladay
In his first year with the Phillies, Halladay lived up to the hype, winning the NL Cy Young, while throwing a perfect game in May and a no-hitter in his first playoff start against the Reds. The right-hander had a 21-10 record with a 2.44 ERA.
7. Graeme McDowell
During a year where Tiger struggled, McDowell flourished. He won his first major at Pebble Beach in June at the U.S. Open before clinching the Ryder Cup for Europe in October. In addition, the Northern Irishman won two European Tour events and defeated Tiger in a playoff at the Chevron World Challenge in December.
6. Drew Brees
In February, the Saints quarterback led his team to an upset victory over the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. This season, Brees has thrown for 4,122 yards and 31 touchdowns through 14 games.
5. Serena Williams
The tennis superstar won the Australian Open and Wimbledon for her 12th and 13th Grand Slam singles titles.
4. Tom Brady
The favorite to win NFL MVP for this season has thrown for 3,561 yards and 31 touchdowns through 14 games.
3. Kobe Bryant
In June the Lakers won their second consecutive NBA title and Bryant took Finals MVP honors. The shooting guard is averaging 25.4 points per game this season.
2. Rafael Nadal
The Spaniard won the French Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon this year. He has been the World’s No. 1 tennis player since June 7.
1. Cam Newton
Despite the negative allegations, Newton has been the most dominating athlete of the year, leading the Auburn Tigers to the national title and winning the Heisman Trophy. He has passed for 2,589 yards and 28 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,409 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Honorable mention:
- Josh Hamilton
- Michael Vick
- Gordon Hayward
