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Sparks Sign Russian Forward Evgenia Belyakova

March 2, 2016 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) - Los Angeles Sparks News Release


LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Sparks today signed Russian forward Evgenia Belyakova, executive vice president and general manager Penny Toler announced today. Per team policy, contract details were not disclosed.

"It's great to have Evgenia as part of the Sparks," said head coach Brian Agler. "She is proven to be an elite player in EuroLeague and I'm confident her game will transition to the WNBA because of her athleticism, desire to defend and her tremendous three-point shooting.

Belyakova is currently averaging 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists on the undefeated (4-0) Russian national team that is competing in the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers. In 2011 she helped lead Russian to the European Women's Basketball Championships (EuroBasket Women), qualifying Russia for the 2012 Summer Olympics where they fell to Australia, 84-73 in the Bronze medal round.

Belyakova currently plays for the undefeated UMMC Ekaterinburg, the top team in the Russian League (PBL), with Sparks guard Kristi Toliver. The only player to log minutes in all 18 games, she is averaging 8.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest to help lead UMMC to an 18-0 record. She is shooting 37.7 percent from three-point range and 79.2 percent from the free throw line and in EuroLeague action is shooting 46.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Her former clubs include Dynamo Kursk (2014-15), Sparta&K (2011-14), Spartak (2009-11), Vologda-Chevakata (2007-09) and Baltiyskaya zvezda (2004-2007). While with Sparta&K, she put up career numbers in points (12.9 ppg), rebounds (5.5 rpg) and assists (2.9) during the 2012-13 season.

The Sparks historic 20th season, presented by EquiTrust, will tip-off in May 2016. For Sparks season and group tickets, in all lower-bowl sections of STAPLES Center, call 844-GO-SPARKS or visit LASparks.com. The Los Angeles Sparks can be found on all social media outlets at @la_Sparks.


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