Duke's Beard, Tillis, Bass Honored at Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Nov. 11, 2002

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - November 6, 2002 - The basketball jerseys of Duke University's Alana Beard, Iciss Tillis, and incoming freshman Mistie Bass are currently displayed in the "Ring of Honor" at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. The "Ring of Honor" recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the nation's best high school, collegiate and professional players.

After the 2001-2002 season, Beard became the first women's basketball player in Duke history to be selected Associated Press first team All-American. She also received additional honors including U.S. Basketball Writers Association All-American, Kodak All-American, ACC Player of the Year, and runner-up for AP Player of the Year, as well as a finalist for the Naismith Player of the Year. Beard ended her sophomore season averaging 22.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Beard attended Southwood High School in Shreveport, La., where she was named Gatorade and USA Today Louisiana Player of the Year.

Junior Tillis was selected to the Kodak District II All-American team and received an Associated Press All-American honorable mention after the 2001-2002 season. Tillis averaged 14.3 points per game and led the team with 8.0 rebounds per game. At Cascia Hall Prep in Tulsa, Okla., she was named Gatorade and USA Today Oklahoma Player of the Year.

Freshman Bass attended Parker High School in Janesville, Wisc., and earned All-American first team honors from USA Today, Women's Basketball Coaches Association, and Parade All-American second team. Bass is a three-time USA Today Wisconsin Player of the Year and a two-time Gatorade and Associated Press Wisconsin Player of the Year. She averaged 17.7 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a senior.

Players are selected to the "Ring of Honor" at the Hall after receiving special honors from the past season. Currently 72 high school, collegiate and WNBA jerseys are displayed in the "Ring of Honor," which are located in the North Rotunda of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Collegiate players honored were named All-American from the Associated Press, Kodak or U.S. Basketball Writers Association. High school players honored were selected All-American from either Parade, Women's Basketball Coaches Association, USA Today, or by being named Gatorade State Player of the Year. Each player will have her jersey showcased throughout the 2002-2003 basketball season.

The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, located in downtown Knoxville, Tenn., is the world's only hall of fame dedicated solely to the athletic achievements of women. Visitors are treated to such exhibits as a riveting video showcasing the history of the women's game, memorabilia from more than 100 years of basketball, inspirational halftime speeches from legendary coaches, a number of interactive exhibits and an opportunity for visitors to showcase their talents. Whether you are a basketball fan or not, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame serves as an extraordinary place of achievement, as it comes to life with stories of those who have given their hearts and souls to the game. For more information call (865) 633-9000 or visit www.wbhof.com.

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