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The Phoenix Suns today exercised the team’s fourth-year option on forward Amaré Stoudemire. The 2002-03 NBA Rookie of the Year will remain under contract with the team through at least the 2005-06 season with the Suns holding the right of first refusal when Stoudemire becomes a restricted free agent in the summer of 2006.

“This decision was easy in that Amaré has quickly established himself as a key part of our team's bright future and he ranks among the NBA's best young talents,” commented President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo upon the announcement.

Stoudemire, who was the first Rookie of the Year ever to come directly out of high school, has emerged as one of the top young post players in the NBA. Stoudemire, who turns 22 next month, has averaged 16.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on ..474 shooting from the field in 137 career games with Phoenix after he was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. Among 2002 draft picks, Stoudemire ranks first in points and second in rebounds (behind Utah’s Carlos Boozer) and blocks (behind Houston’s Yao Ming).

The 6-10, 245-pound forward avoided the sophomore jinx last season by averaging a team-high 20.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 steals on .475 shooting in 36.8 minutes, all above his rookie averages. Had he qualified, Stoudemire would have ranked 15th in scoring, tied for 15th in rebounding and 19th in blocks. In his final 32 games in 2003-04, he averaged 23.9 points and 9.6 rebounds in 39.3 minutes. At the conclusion of the season, he joined fellow Suns forward Shawn Marion at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece and earned a bronze medal as a member of Team USA.

He currently ranks sixth in the NBA in scoring with 19.7 points and has added 6.2 rebounds in 29.3 minutes in six preseason games.

Information about full and partial season ticket packages is available by calling (602) 379-SUNS or at Suns.com. The Suns open the 2004-05 regular season at home at 7 p.m., Nov. 3 at AWA.