Detroit Shock signs 6-5 center Irina Osipova
May 19, 2006 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Detroit Shock News Release
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Detroit Shock Head Coach Bill Laimbeer announced today that the franchise has added 6-5 center Irina Osipova to the roster. Osipova, 24, won a Bronze Medal in the 2004 Olympic Games with Russia.
Osipova has a wealth of experience playing with and against WNBA players. Prior to Israel, she played two seasons with UMMC Ekaterinburg, competing with WNBA stars Yolanda Griffith, DeLisha Milton-Jones, Andrea Stinson, Tameka Dixon, Lauren Jackson, Ticha Penecheiro, Natalie Williams, Svetlana Abrosimova, Elena Baranova and Sheryl Swoopes. In 2005-06 she played for Elitzur Ramla in Israel's first division, averaging 11.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.5 blocks in 12 games while shooting 52.8% from the field. In 2003-2004, she played in 39 games, averaging 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 29.2 minutes. In 2002-2003, she helped lead UMMC to the FIBA Euroleague Championship, averaging 9.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in 24.3 minutes. In 2001-2002, she competed with Dynamo Moscow in both the Russian league and the Ronchetti Cup (FIBA), averaging 15.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 27.5 minutes in 61 total games.
"I am happy to play for a team like Detroit in the WNBA," Osipova said. "They have a great coach who can help my game and there are great players like Swin Cash. I look forward to this season."
Experience the Detroit Shock, "It's Personal," presented by Lennox on Sunday, July 17 as Detroit hosts the Indiana Fever at 5 p.m. The first 2,500 children in attendance at Sunday's game will receive a Ruth Riley jersey courtesy of Subway. Shock tickets are available by calling 248.377.0100 or by logging on to www.detroitshock.com The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from May 19, 2006
