March 23, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Senior forward Victoria Dunlap has been selected as one of the top 40 finalists for the 2011 State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team, as announced by The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, in cooperation with State Farm. The finalists, who are voted upon by WBCA-member coaches in each of the eight WBCA geographical regions, are now in the running for selection to the 10-member State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team.

Dunlap, named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year by The Associated Press and SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the league coaches, is considered one of the nation’s most versatile players. She is listed in the top half of eight SEC statistical categories, including leading the league in scoring (17.0) and steals per game (3.0). She also ranks second in field-goal percentage (.458), fourth in rebounding (8.7 rpg), and fifth in blocks (1.5 bpg) and free-throw shooting percentage (.704). She is the only player in the SEC to rank in the top five in scoring, rebounding, blocks and steals.

The 6-foot-2 forward scored double figures in 31 of 33 games this season, including 22 consecutive. With nine double-doubles and 12 games with 20 or more points, she helped lead the 17th-ranked Wildcats to their second straight 20-win season (25-9) and second straight NCAA appearance for the first time since the 1982-83 teams accomplished that feat.

In this year’s NCAA Tournament, Dunlap averaged a team-high 18.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in two games. She recorded her 31st career double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds in UK’s overtime win vs. Hampton in the first round and followed that performance with a game-high 23 points along with four rebounds, three steals and two blocks in the second round vs. No. 14 North Carolina. The Wildcats could not overcome a 55-31 rebounding deficit, however, eventually falling to the Tar Heels, 86-74.

Dunlap, who was one of the 10 members named to the All-America team last season, ended her illustrious Wildcat career ranking in the top 10 on numerous career lists, including No. 1 in games played (133) and No. 2 in scoring (1,846), rebounding (1,099), blocks (178), steals (307), free throws made (445), free throws attempted (714) and double-doubles (31). She was the first player in school history to chart more than 100 assists, 100 blocks and 300 steals in her career and just the second player with more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career.

The State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team will be announced at 9 a.m. ET on April 2, in Indianapolis during the WBCA National Convention, which is held in conjunction with the NCAA® Women’s Final Four®.

For more information on Dunlap:  http://interactive.ukathletics.com/victoriadunlap.html

The finalists are: