March 4, 2002

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A pair of Villanova juniors were honored by the Big East Conference in postseason balloting announced on Monday.

Ricky Wright, a 6-7 forward from East Chicago, Ind., was named to the All Big East Second Team. In his first full season as a starter, Wright was Villanova's top interior scoring threat with a 14.2 ppg average. He also contributed 8.2 rpg in helping the Wildcats to a 16-11 regular season record.

Joining Wright on the second team are Miami's Darius Rice and John Salmons, Providence's John Linehan and Rutgers' Rashod Kent. The All-Big East first team features Troy Bell (Boston College), Caron Butler (Connecticut), Mike Sweetney (Georgetown), Ryan Humphrey (Notre Dame), Brandin Knight (Pittsburgh), Marcus Hatten (St. John's) and Preston Shumpert (Syracuse).

Wildcat junior guard Gary Buchanan was named All-Big East Honorable Mention. The native of St. Louis leads Villanova in scoring at 17.9 ppg and also contributes 4.3 rpg.

Villanova departs Tuesday for the Big East Tournament. It faces Syracuse on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.