Juniors Diana Taurasi and Alana Beard are usually the first names brought up when the highly talented Class of 2004 is discussed.

	Jia Perkins ranks second on the team with a 16.4 ppg average.

But the name of Texas Tech junior Jia Perkins deserves to be uttered in the same breath.

Perkins garnered a lot of attention after Tech star Plenette Pierson was suspended just four games into last season. Then just a sophomore, Perkins took on much of the Lady Raiders' leadership responsibilities, and after averaging 13.6 points as a rookie, increased her average to a team-high 16 points.

With Pierson back this season, and playing as well as ever, the spotlight hasn't shined as heavily on Perkins. But the 5-foot-8 guard has continued to improve, has an incredible all-around game and is silky smooth on both ends.

When Perkins arrived on the college scene, everybody knew she was going to be a great defensive stopper. She has lived up to those expectations, and because of her great anticipation, Perkins leads Texas Tech with 48 steals.

But she also has developed into an incredible finisher at the basket and sports a beautiful jump shot and gorgeous pull-up jumper. Perkins, who comes from an athletic family (her dad, Johnny Perkins, played for the New York Giants), can elevate and run the floor, and she has great hands.

Last season, Perkins was forced to play point guard, but the addition of freshman Erin Grant has allowed Perkins to return to her natural position as the 2-guard this season. Through 21 games, she's averaging 16.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 43.4 percent from the field.

Perkins' skills alone are worthy of praise, but the way in which her game has evolved over the past three seasons is perhaps her most impressive characteristic. Her stats have increased in nearly every category, and she has continued to be one of the Lady Raiders' leaders.

Perkins' consistency also is impressive; she has scored in double-figures in every game this season. And while she was a second-team All-Big 12 selection last season, there's no question the voters will find a spot for her on the all-league first team this season.

Perkins, who hit her first 3-pointer of the season Sunday, will look to improve her range as she gets older. And as she continues to mature, she'll learn not to gamble on defense quite as much as she does now.

And after playing for coach Marsha Sharp on the USA Basketball's junior national team this past summer, we can already see that her everyday mentality has improved.

Texas Tech has produced some of the game's best players. Perkins is the next in line.

Nancy Lieberman, an ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's basketball coverage. Contact her at www.nancylieberman.com.