Redick And Deng Earn Individual Honors As Blue Ribbon Ranks Duke No. 2

Sept. 23, 2003

DURHAM, N.C. - Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook has selected Duke as the number two team in the nation in its annual preseason rankings (the publication tabbed Connecticut as its preseason No. 1 team). Michigan State, Florida, Missouri, Texas, Gonzaga, Kansas, Arizona and Illinois follow Connecticut and Duke to round out the top 10.

The Blue Devils return 12 letterwinners to the 2003-04 team, including four starters from last year's team. Third-team All-ACC selections Chris Duhon and J.J. Redick both return for Duke, which has advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in each of the past six seasons. Duke has earned five consecutive ACC championships entering the 2003-04 season.

Redick was named to Blue Ribbon's fourth team All-America squad and incoming Blue Devil freshman Luol Deng was named the National Newcomer of the Year.

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.

Blue Ribbon Preseason Top 25 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. St. Joseph

Redick And Deng Earn Individual Honors As Blue Ribbon Ranks Duke No. 2

Duke information