University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies and Irish Selected in BIG EAST Polls
10/24/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
NEWARK, NJ (October 24) – The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team was selected to finish first, along with Notre Dame in the BIG EAST Conference Coaches’ Preseason Poll. UConn and Notre Dame each received 161 points, including seven first-place votes. This is the 10th consecutive time UConn has been chosen to win the regular season title. Husky junior guard Diana Taurasi (Chino, CA) was also tabbed the Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year, while freshman guard Ann Strother (Castle Rock, CO) was selected Preseason Rookie of the Year.
The Huskies have placed first in the BIG EAST Coaches’ Preseason Poll since 1992-93. That season Miami was named preseason No. 1 while the Huskies ranked No. 3. UConn finished the season tied for third place before it went on its remarkable run of nine straight league regular season championships.
Three-time National Champion Connecticut will begin its quest for a fourth consecutive Final Four appearance with an exhibition game November 1, against the Melbourne Tigers, before opening the regular season on November 22 against Wright State at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. UConn is coached by Geno Auriemma, who is in his 18th season at the helm of the Huskies.
2002-03 Coaches’ Preseason Poll
Team Pts.
T1. CONNECTICUT (7) 161
T1. Notre Dame (7) 161
3. Boston College 14
4. Villanova 128
5. Virginia Tech 110
6. Rutgers 107
7. Miami 104
8. West Virginia 81
T9. Seton Hall 69
T9. Syracuse 69
11. Georgetown 64
12. Providence 33
13. Pittsburgh 29
14. St. John’s 15
