Aug. 2, 2002

Wake Forest senior swingman Josh Howard was named to the John R. Wooden Award Preseason All-America Team announced earlier today.

Howard, a third team All-ACC selection last season, is one of 50 preseason candidates for the prestigious Wooden Award, which goes annually to the nation's top college basketball player. Former Wake Forest standout Tim Duncan won the Wooden Award in 1997. Duke's Jason Williams won the award last year.

Howard averaged 13.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season while leading the Deacons to a record of 23-11. Among returning players in the ACC, he ranks second in scoring and third in rebounding.

"I'm flattered to have my name mentioned along with so many great players," Howard said. "I am working hard on my game right now and hopefully it will pay off this season."

The 2003 Award ceremony, which will include the presentation of the Wooden Award All-American team and the presentation of the Legends of Coaching Award, will be held at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Sunday, April 13th and will be televised live nationally on Fox Sports Net for the sixth straight year.

Howard is one of five ACC players on the Wooden team, joining Duke's Chris Duhon and Dahntay Jones, Maryland's Steve Blake and Virginia's Travis Watson. Wake Forest will play against three others on the Wooden list this season -- Marquette's Dwayne Wade, Wisconsin's Kirk Penney and St. John's' Marcus Hatten.

The Wake Forest 2002-03 schedule is expected to be released Aug. 14.