University of Connecticut Athletics
Blue Ribbon Yearbook Picks UConn Men No. 1; Okafor, Gordon Among Preseason Honorees
10/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NASHVILLE, TN (October 7, 2003)-- The University of Connecticut men's basketball team has been selected by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, the most respected preview publication in the country, as its preseason No. 1 team.
In addition, the book has also chosen junior center Emeka Okafor as its preseason player of the year and a first-team preseason All-American. Junior guard Ben Gordon was selected a third-team preseason All-American, and both players were unanimous first-team All-Big East picks.
Behind UConn is Duke, followed by Michigan State, Florida, Missouri, Texas, Gonzaga, Kansas, Arizona and Illinois in the Top 10. The Big East, Big 12 and ACC are represented in the poll by four teams each. Three teams from the Southeastern Conference, the Pac-10 and the Big Ten are ranked, along with two from Conference USA.
Blue Ribbon, long known as the "Bible" of college basketball, is in its 23rd year. This season, the book is available by direct order only. Blue Ribbon can be purchased at www.blueribbonyearbook.com, or by calling 866-237-7367, Ext. 130.
The poll:
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Michigan State
4. Florida
5. Missouri
6. Texas
7. Gonzaga
8. Kansas
9. Arizona
10. Illinois
11. Syracuse
12. North Carolina
13. Kentucky
14. Oklahoma
15. Saint Joseph's
16. Stanford
17. Notre Dame
18. Wake Forest
19. Marquette
20. Pittsburgh
21. LSU
22. Louisville
23. Maryland
24. Wisconsin
25. California
