March 8, 2005

SALT LAKE CITY - The U.S. Basketball Writers Association announced its District 8 honors today. Ray Giacoletti was named the District 8 Coach of Year and sophomore center Andrew Bogut was recognized as the District 8 Player of the Year. Senior guard Marc Jackson joined Bogut on the all-district team.

Giacoletti has led the Utes to the Mountain West Conference championship, a 25-4 record and a Top 25 ranking in his first season. Bogut is among the nation's leaders in double-doubles (20), scoring (20.6 ppg), rebounds (12.0 rpg) and field goal percentage (63.7). Jackson ranks 35th in the nation in free throw percentage (85.7). He is second on the team in scoring (10.7 ppg) and first in assists (3.83 apg).

Also making the USBWA All-District 8 team were Lance Allred (Weber State), Odartey Blankson (UNLV), Nick Fazekas (Nevada), Danny Granger (New Mexico), Spencer Nelson (Utah State), Yemi Nicholson (Denver), Ronnie Price (Utah Valley State), Jay Straight (Wyoming) and Nick Welch (Air Force).