By Times Staff and Wire Reports
Published March 24, 2004
There's no debate when it comes to Jameer Nelson and Emeka Okafor. They're unanimous All-Americans.
The stars at Saint Joseph's and Connecticut led the Associated Press All-America team Tuesday, the first time since 1985 more than one player was chosen by every voter.
Nelson, a 5-foot-11 senior guard, and Okafor, a 6-10 junior center, earned a perfect 360 points by being picked on all 72 first-team ballots by the same media panel that votes on the weekly poll.
"It's as much about my teammates and the coaches as it is about me," Nelson said. "I share the award with them and appreciate everyone who watched Saint Joe's all year."
Nelson also was named Naismith player of the year.
"It is hard to express just what it means to be recognized as one of the best players in the country," Okafor said.
"Individual recognition like this is really a reflection of the great teammates and coaches that I am fortunate to work with every day."
Lawrence Roberts of Mississippi State was third with 308 points, while Josh Childress of Stanford had 235, and Ryan Gomes of Providence completed the first team with 208.
In 1985, four players were unanimous choices: Georgetown's Patrick Ewing, St. John's Chris Mullin, Oklahoma's Wayman Tisdale and Memphis State's Keith Lee. Only 10 people voted then.
HOUSTON HIRES PENDERS: Tom Penders was hired to coach at Houston, the once-powerful program that hasn't won an NCAA Tournament game in 20 years. Penders agreed to a five-year contract, but terms weren't finalized. Penders, a coach at Texas for 10 years, replaces Ray McCallum, who was reassigned March 8 after going 44-72 in four seasons.
ROLLINS: A trio of Tampa Bay area players, freshman guard Deon Troupe and freshman center Jordan Kolosey (St. Petersburg High) and junior forward Cliff Meadows (Wharton), are in Bakersfield, Calif., tonight hoping to lead Rollins College to the Division II national title. The Tars have reached the Elite 8 for the first time in program history and meet No. 1-ranked Metropolitan State today. The semifinals are Thursday, and the championship game, carried nationally on Ch. 10, is at 1 p.m. Saturday.
