We didn't really plan on waiting until the opening day of the season to release our preseason All-America team. However, it took ESPN.com's three women's college basketball experts a bit longer than expected to debate it out and come to an agreement on the best of the best.

And now that you've barely glanced at ESPN.com's preseason All-America team, which includes five players from five different conferences, let us defend ourselves.

Yes, we are aware that Mississippi State's LaToya Thomas is a two-time Kodak All-American. Yes, we are aware that Deanna Jackson averaged 25.1 points last season, second only to Jackie Stiles. And yes, come March when the official team is announced, we very well might be reading your "I-told- you-so" e-mails.

Until then, here's our take on the top five:

PARTY OF FIVE Anderson was the nation's top shooter in 2001. Chantelle Anderson: Vanderbilt Junior, C, 6-6, Vancouver, Wash. (Hudson's Bay) Led country with 72.3 field-goal percentage, just .1 percent short of NCAA record; in the NCAA Tournament, averaged 22 points, 7.0 rebounds while shooting 67.3 percent from field; named to NCAA Midwest Region All-Tournament team. "She gets position on everyone, finishes her shots and has become more intimidating on defense." -- Mechelle Voepel "She can score down low, pass out of the double team and is a great shot-blocker." -- Nancy Lieberman G MIN FG REB BLK PTS 34 30.4 72.3 6.3 1.1 21.2 Beard can play any position for Duke. Alana Beard: Duke Sophomore, G/F, 5-11, Shreveport, La. (Southwood) AP honorable mention All-America; NCAA West Region All-Tournament team; All-ACC and All-ACC tournament first team; scored in double figures in 26 of 30 games; led ACC in steals (3.53), ranked second in field-goal percentage and third in scoring. "Has Jordan-esque quality of absolutely hating to lose at anything, and can take over a game at any time." -- Beth Mowins "Will play point guard this season, but could seamlessly move between 1, 2 or 3." -- Mechelle Voepel G MIN FG REB AST PTS 30 29.8 51.2 4.5 3.8 17.0 Bird has helped guide UConn to two straight Final Four bids. Sue Bird: Connecticut Senior, G, 5-9, Syosset, N.Y. (Christ The King) Two-time Conseco/Nancy Lieberman-Cline National Point Guard of the Year award winner; AP third-team All-American; 1999-2000 NCAA Final Four All-Tournament team; two-time NCAA East Region All-Tournament team; All-Big East first team. "A true superstar who comes up big in big games. The ultimate leader, she also is a clutch shooter with deadly 3-point range." -- Nancy Lieberman "You rarely see her at anything but her best." -- Mechelle Voepel G MIN FG STL AST PTS 34 27.7 44.3 1.9 5.0 10.6 In 2001, Dales was a first-team AP All-American in 2001. Stacey Dales: Oklahoma Senior, G, 6-0, Brockville, Ontario, Canada (Thousand Islands) Kodak All-American; AP first-team All-American; Big 12 Player of the Year; starter for Canadian National Team that finished 10th at 2000 Olympic Games; averaged 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists as team's youngest player in Sydney. "She is a Magic Johnson-type of flashy but also a fundamental passer." -- Nancy Lieberman "Her mind is working constantly, and she has the athletic skills to match." -- Mechelle Voepel G MIN FG REB AST PTS 34 31.7 47.6 5.1 7.3 16.0 Walker was the 2001 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. Ayana Walker: Louisiana Tech Senior, C, 6-3, Houston (Westbury) AP honorable mention All-America; Sun Belt Defensive Player of Year; in summer 2001, led Team USA to gold at World University Games, averaging 15.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg and shooting 61 percent; set a USA Basektball single-game record with 19 rebounds. "Seems like the kids in Ruston often are overlooked, but 'Bird' can dominate a game." -- Mechelle Voepel "Walker's calling card is her long arms and smooth moves; served notice with her 19-point, 19-rebound performance in the WUG gold-medal game." -- Beth Mowins G MIN FG REB BLK PTS 36 31.9 47.5 8.5 2.4 16.0 ALSO NOMINATED Deanna Jackson UAB "She's smart, quick and strong, and so versatile that she can take you down low or step out to hit 3-point shots. Remember, she ranked second in the nation in scoring last season with a 25.1 average. Only player ahead of her was Jackie Stiles." -- Nancy Lieberman Brandi McCain Florida "Few can match McCain's quickness, even after several knee surgeries. She has improved her shooting every year and is a terrific passer." -- Beth Mowins LaToya Thomas Mississippi State "Two-time Kodak All-American and SEC scoring leader is strong and explosive and can take you off the dribble." -- Nancy Lieberman ESPN's Nancy Lieberman and Beth Mowins, and ESPN.com columnist Mechelle Voepel and women's college basketball editor Melanie Jackson contributed to the selection process.