June 12, 2002

DURHAM, N.C. - The first edition of the preseason All-America accolades have been released and junior Alana Beard has been selected to the first team and junior Iciss Tillis honorable mention All-America by WomensCollegeHoops.com.

Along with Beard on the first team are Diana Taurasi (UConn), Chantelle Anderson (Vanderbilt), Nicole Powell (Stanford) and LaToya Thomas (Miss. State).

Beard, a 2002 Kodak All-America and Associated Press All-America, led the ACC with 19.8 points per game, 3.3 steals per game and .572 field goal percentage during Duke's record-breaking season. Beard led the Blue Devils to a school-record 31 victories, a Final Four appearance and ACC Regular Season and ACC Tournament titles. Duke also became the first ACC school to post an undefeated 19-0 mark in ACC action as the Blue Devils didn't lose an ACC regular season or tournament contest.

The Shreveport, La. native was selected the Shooting Guard of the Year last Thursday at the Final Four during the ESPN The Magazine's College Basketball Awards show. She became the first ACC men's or women's player to finish the season with over 600 points, 200 rebounds, 150 assists, 100 steals and 20 blocks. Her final numbers were 694 points (a school record), 213 rebounds, 154 assists, 114 steals and 25 blocks.

Tills was an honorable mention Associated Press All-America and first team All-ACC as a sophomore after averaging 14.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks a contest. The Tulsa, Okla. product established herself as one of the most versatile players in the country as the 6-4 wing can post up and hit the three-pointer. Tillis hit 34 percent of her treys and had eight double-doubles.

The 2002-03 Blue Devils return seven of eight letterwinners from a 31-4 squad which advanced to the NCAA Final Four. Duke will welcome one of the top two recruiting classes in the nation with five incoming players-- Brooke Smith (Marin Catholic, Calif./San Anselmo HS), Mistie Bass (Parker, Wisc./Janesville Parker HS), Lindsey Harding (Tomball, Texas/CY-Fair HS), Jessica Foley (Australia) and Caitlin Howe (Rochester, N.Y./Fairport HS). Smith, Bass and Harding each were selected to All-America squads this season.

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