Nov. 5, 2004

ATLANTA - Utah sophomore center/forward Andrew Bogut is one of the country's top 50 collegiate men's basketball players named as a preseason candidate for the Naismith Trophy presented by Cingular Wireless, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today. The Naismith Trophy is presented annually to the men's and women's players of the year.

The Top 50 list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists, coaches and administrators from around the country. The board based its preseason criteria on player performances from last season.

In his first season with the Utes, Bogut was named the 2003-04 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year and second team all-conference. The Melbourne, Australia, native was Utah's second-leading scorer (12.5 ppg), top rebounder (9.9 rpg) and best shot-blocker (44) last season.

"The Naismith Trophy is the most prestigious honor in college basketball," said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Tipoff Club president. "Any of our preseason candidates are worthy of this honor and we look forward to an exciting year to see who will raise the Naismith in April."

As part of their involvement, Cingular is making this year's selection process unique. For the first time, college basketball fans nationwide will have a voice in deciding who wins the Naismith Trophy presented by Cingular Wireless through the power and ease of wireless text messaging.

"Cingular is proud to continue its support of college athletics and the student athletes who participate and excel," said Daryl Evans, vice president of advertising and marketing for Cingular Wireless. "The Naismith Trophy is one of the highest honors in all of sports and we are excited to partner with the Atlanta Tipoff Club and college basketball fans nationwide to help recognize the most outstanding player in college basketball."

In January, the Board of Selectors will narrow its preseason list to the Top 30 players in the nation. Those players, and others who distinguish themselves throughout the season, will be eligible for the final ballot in March. Beginning in mid-February, CBS' "Cingular at the Half" will feature a weekly Naismith Trophy Watch highlighting the players in contention. The player of the year will be recognized at the NCAA Men's Final Four in April.