Miami Picked Sixth in BIG EAST Preseason Poll

Oct. 30, 2003

NEWARK, N.J. – The University of Miami women’s basketball team was picked to finish sixth of the 14 teams in the BIG EAST in the preseason coaches poll released Thursday morning at BIG EAST Media Day in Newark, N.J. Miami received 115 votes.

Sophomore Tamara James (Dania, Fla.) was selected to the preseason All-BIG EAST First Team. James led the league in scoring last season averaging 21.0 points per game.

The defending National Champion Connecticut was a unanimous choice to win the conference title. The Huskies received 169 votes, including 13 first-place votes. Rutgers was picked second with 156 points, followed by Notre Dame with 139 points.

Virginia Tech was picked fourth, while Boston College was picked fifth.

Connecticut’s Diana Taurasi was tabbed as the Preseason Player of the Year, and Husky freshman Liz Sherwood and Crystal Erwin of Notre Dame were chosen as the Preseason Co-Freshmen of the Year.

Miami plays host to the Mike White All Star team in their first exhibition game of the season on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Convocation Center. Admission is free.

2003-2004 Preseason Poll

1.  Connecticut (13) 1692.  Rutgers (1)      1563.  Notre Dame       1394.  Virginia Tech    1245.  Boston College   1206.  Miami            1157.  Villanova        1038.  West Virginia     809.  Georgetown        6610. Seton Hall        6511. Syracuse          6112. Pittsburgh        3013. St. John's        2814. Providence        18