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Atlanta Dream

Dream Sends No. 4 Pick to Connecticut for Elizabeth Williams

February 3, 2016 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Atlanta Dream News Release


ATLANTA - The Atlanta Dream has announced that it has sent the rights to the No. 4 pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for second-year forward/center Elizabeth Williams.

Williams, who was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft, averaged 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds while logging 11.7 minutes per game over 21 contests during her rookie season.

"I'm just thankful for the opportunity the Dream is giving me, Williams said. "I'm looking forward to being in a great city like Atlanta and bringing whatever I need for this team to succeed."

The 6-3 post player enjoyed a stellar collegiate career at Duke, where she became the first-ever four-time Associated Press All-America selection in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history. She was also recognized as the 2015 WBCA National Defensive Player of the Year during her tenure with the Blue Devils.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to get a young and really gifted center to continue the success that we have had with this great organization," Atlanta head coach Michael Cooper said. "We feel Elizabeth Williams will give us a defensive-minded center to handle all the big posts that we face and additional toughness that I think we were lacking last season. She will be a great fit with the core group of our team and a fantastic person in the Atlanta community."

Williams is currently competing overseas and enjoying an outstanding season for Istanbul University, in the top division of the Turkish League. She currently leads the team with averages of 17.5 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting .485 (82-of-169) from the field over 14 games. Williams also paces Istanbul with a team-high 34.8 minutes per contest.

With the completion of the trade, the Dream now holds three of the top 16 overall selections in the 2016 WNBA Draft. Atlanta will select at No. 11 (acquired from Minnesota), No. 13 (acquired from San Antonio) and No. 16. The Dream also hold the No. 28 overall pick (third round).

TRANSACTION: Atlanta Dream trades the rights to the No. 4 selection in the 2016 WNBA Draft to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for forward/center Elizabeth Williams.

Atlanta Dream season tickets are available now by logging for more information on at Atlanta Dream Membership Central or clicking HERE to buy directly via Ticketmaster.

The three-time Eastern Conference Champion Atlanta Dream is entering its ninth season in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

The Dream plays their home games at Philips Arena. Atlanta has qualified for the playoffs six times, winning conference titles in 2013, 2011 and 2010.

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