BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - One of the most decorated players in Ole Miss basketball history, former Rebel standout Cynthia Autry has been selected to the class of 2009 of the SEC Greats to be honored at the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament March 5-8 at Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Ark.

"We are excited to again showcase the talent and dedication in women's athletics in the Southeastern Conference," SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said. "Honoring these former standouts gives the conference the opportunity to thank those who helped establish the rich women's athletic tradition in our conference."

A four-year letterwinner for the Rebels from 1986-89, the 5-foot-11 Autry quickly established herself as one of the all-time Ole Miss greats. Autry finished her career with 1,490 points and ranks sixth all-time at Ole Miss. That feat was bolstered by her hot shooting as she shot above 50 percent from the floor for her career, including hitting 57 percent of her shots as a sophomore.

"Ole Miss women's basketball has an unbelievable storied history, and Cynthia Autry is a huge part of that success," Ole Miss Senior Women's Administrator Lynnette Johnson said. "She excelled both on and off the court during her time at Ole Miss."

Autry also ranks fifth all-time at Ole Miss in rebounding as she pulled down 920 career boards in 124 career games. She also stands fifth all-time at Ole Miss with 31 career double-doubles and is eighth all-time with 72 career double-digit scoring games.

She earned All-SEC first team honors twice (1988, 1989) and was a second team All-SEC selection by the media in 1988. She played a big role in helping the Rebels advance to two Elite Eight and two Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

"This is such a great award to receive, and I want to thank all of my family, friends, coaches and teammates for making this possible." Autry said. "I was overwhelmed when I learned I would be recognized for such a tremendous honor."

Each honoree will be introduced during halftime of their teams' first game of the tournament, while all 12 individuals will also be introduced as a group between games of the second session on Friday, March 6. The Greats will then participate in an autograph session on the concourse before game eight. Complimentary posters of the Greats will be available at the session.