March 7, 2002

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland's Juan Dixon is one of seven finalists for the second annual V Foundation Comeback Award, to be presented on March 28 as part of the ESPN The Magazine College Basketball Awards Show.

Seven outstanding collegiate student-athletes have been named as finalists for the second annual V Foundation Comeback of the Year Award. The award is presented to a basketball student-athlete who embodies the spirit and courage represented by the late Coach Jim Valvano, whose inspirational "Don't Give Up. . . Don't Ever Give Up!"® speech is the basis for The Foundation's mission of funding cancer research.

The award will be presented on March 28 in conjunction with ESPN The Magazine's College Basketball Awards.

Universities across the nation in all three NCAA divisions were invited to nominate deserving student-athletes in the sport of basketball. The seven finalists represent personal strength and integrity in overcoming obstacles in all walks of life.

"We are pleased to announce the names of our seven finalists for the 2002 V Foundation Comeback of the Year Award," said Foundation CEO Nick Valvano. "The experiences and obstacles that our candidates have overcome are inspiring. We will be proud to have any one of the seven as the recipient of our award.

"The challenges these student-athletes have faced may not be as obvious as a come-from-behind win. They are more reflective on being triumphant in the face of true adversity - in health, in life, or moral dilemma," Valvano said.

"My brother devoted his life to coaching and teaching young people. He loved coaching, he loved the athletes and he loved a challenge. We are honored to have all seven of these young men and women associated with our Foundation and my brother's memory," Valvano concluded.

The seven finalists are:

Justin Allen    Sophomore  Arizona State University
Jamel Bradley	Senior	   University of South Carolina
Martha Chaput	Junior	   Drake University
Juan Dixon	Senior	   University of Maryland
Andrea Gianni	Junior	   West Virginia Wesleyan
Mandy Kappel	Sophomore  Drake University
Kristin Koetsier Sophomore Western Michigan University

The challenges faced by the seven finalists are as varied as they are inspirational: Justin Allen and Martha Chaput are cancer survivors. Jamel Bradley lost his hearing due to a fever at the age of 18 months and serves as a role model for the hearing impaired. Juan Dixon overcame incredible hardships as a child of parents whose drug additions eventually claimed their lives. Andrea Gianni has overcome five major surgeries in four years and has proved that heart and determination can persevere even when the body does not cooperate. Mandy Kappel has survived a brain tumor, the surgery to remove it, and resulting complications. Kristin Koetsier overcame a life-threatening blood disorder, removal of her spleen, as well as a serious knee injury in her freshman year.

"The stories are inspirational," Valvano said. "The strength and resolve of these young people amaze us all."

All of the students are succeeding in their studies as well as on the basketball court. Some 30-men and women from across the country were nominated by athletic directors, sports information directors, trainers, coaches and other athletic administrators. A panel of judges from The V Foundation's Board of Directors will select the final recipient.

Last year's recipient, Purdue's Katie Douglas now plays for the NBA's Orlando Miracle.

ESPN will televise this award presentation as part of ESPN The Magazine's 2002 College Basketball Awards, March 28 at 7:00 PM. A total of 15 awards will be presented, including the men's and women's player of the year by position, an overall men's and women's player of the year and men's and women's coach of the year. The show will air from 7-9 p.m. ET from Atlanta (Men's Final Four) and San Antonio (Women's Final Four).