Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle and Norm Frauenheim of the Arizona Republic report: It was a close race but somebody had to win it. Later today, Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire will be announced as the winner of the NBA?s Rookie of the Year award.

Sources within the Suns' front office confirmed that Stoudemire had won the award in voting by the media.

Yao Ming figured out that Stoudemire had won when the presentation was announced and he wasn?t invited.

Being a good sport, he passed along his congratulations to Stoudemire.

"Congratulations to Amare," Yao said. "This is just the start of many years (of competition between them) to come."

Stoudemire averaged 13.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocked shots, one assist per game and shot 47.2 and 66.1 percent from the field and from the free-throw line respectively.

 Stoudemire is the 51st player to win the award and the third to win it with the Suns. Alvan Adams won it in 1976. Walter Davis won it in 1978.

The 20-year-old forward is the only winner of the award to come straight from high school.

As for his reaction, he is more concerned Phoenix?s first round series with the San Antonio Spurs.

 "It's just kind of unbelievable to be getting ready for the playoffs when just a year ago I was getting ready to go to the prom," said Stoudemire.