Mon Apr 7 18:50:40 2008

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Tennessee's Parker named Naismith Trophy winner

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Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Tennessee star Candace Parker has been named the winner of the 2008 Naismith Trophy as women's college basketball player of the year, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Monday.

Parker, who averaged 20.6 points and 8.8 rebounds this season for the Lady Vols this season, edged LSU's Sylvia Fowles, Oklahoma's Courtney Paris, and Stanford's Candice Wiggins for the award.

Parker became the fifth women's player in history to win the Naismith award in high school and college -- the Illinois native won the high school award at Naperville Central in 2003 and 2004.

"We are proud to welcome a former winner back into the Naismith family, especially someone who has achieved excellence on a consistent basis," Gary Stokan, Atlanta Tipoff Club president, said. "Candace has enjoyed a tremendous season and career at Tennessee and the college game will miss her dearly."

Earlier this season, Parker announced she would forego her final year of eligibility to pursue a professional career, but not before helping the Lady Vols to the national title game.

The All-American forward battled through a shoulder injury to tally 13 points and 15 rebounds in Tennessee's one-point win over LSU in the national semifinal on Sunday. The Lady Vols face Wiggins' Stanford team in Tuesday's championship game.

Parker, who was previously named the National Player of the Year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, became the first Lady Vols' player to win the Naismith award since 2000, when Tamika Catchings won it.