Oden, Durant finalists

Freshmen Greg Oden of Ohio State and Kevin Durant of Texas are among the five finalists for the John R. Wooden Award, presented to college basketball’s outstanding player.

Others invited for the April 7 presentation at the Los Angeles Athletic Club are North Carolina sophomore Tyler Hansbrough, Texas A&M; senior Acie Law and Wisconsin senior Alando Tucker.

Also honored as Wooden All-Americans were UCLA junior Arron Afflalo, Oregon senior Aaron Brooks, Nevada senior Nick Fazekas, Florida junior Joakim Noah and Kansas sophomore Brandon Rush.

It was also announced that UCLA will play in the 14th annual John R. Wooden Classic on Dec. 8 at the Honda Center. The other teams will be announced later.

*

Tony Bennett, the first-year coach who led Washington State (26-8) to its best season since 1941, ended speculation about his future by agreeing to a seven-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Bennett, a 37-year-old who replaced his father Dick, earned $350,000 plus incentives while leading the Cougars to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

*

Iona agreed to buy out the final two years of Coach Jeff Ruland’s contract. He had a 139-135 record, leading the Gaels to the NCAA tournament in 2000, 2001 and 2006.... Georgia Coach Dennis Felton received a two-year contract extension that gives him a four-year contract worth $760,000 annually, a raise of $50,000. He is 58-62 in four years at the school, including 19-14 last season.... Arkansas was waiting to hear from Texas A&M; Coach Billy Gillispie about the Razorbacks’ opening, said Stanley Reed, chairman of the board of trustees. Stan Heath was fired Monday after five years.... After interviewing for Texas’ job opening, Duke Coach Gail Goestenkors did not expect to make a quick decision. Jody Conradt resigned March 11 after missing two straight postseasons.