Ags' Starks on Wade Watch List

COLLEGE STATION, TX -- Texas A&M’s Takia Starks (Spring Westfield HS, Houston, Texas) was named to the 2008-09 preseason watch list for the State Farm Wade Trophy Division I Player of the Year Award as announced Tuesday by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, on behalf of the Wade Coalition.

Two other players from the Big 12 Conference, Oklahoma's Courtney Paris and Oklahoma State's Andrea Riley, were also named to the "Wade Watch" list.

Here's the list of the 25 players named today. The 25-member list is made up of top Division I student-athletes who best embody the spirit of Lily Margaret Wade according to the following criteria: game and season statistics, leadership, character, effect on their team and overall playing ability.

Starks, 5'8" guard, has improved her game each of her first three seasons at Texas A&M. Last season, Starks averaged a team-and career-best 16.3 points per game and was tabbed Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Starks was also selected to the NCAA Oklahoma City Regional All-Tournament Team and Big 12 All-Tournament Team.

Starks has been named two-time All-Big 12 Conference First Team selection; and, Starks should definitely be named to the Big 12's Pre-season Team when its announced in the near future.