Jackson named to WNBA All-Defensive Second Team
September 19, 2008 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Seattle Storm News Release
SEATTLE, Friday, Sept. 19, 2008 - The WNBA announced today that reigning WNBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Lauren Jackson has been named to the 2008 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. This marks the second time Jackson has received the nod, as she was selected as a member of the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2005.
"I'm honored to have been named to the all-defensive team," Jackson said. "I think this is a reflection of all of the hard work and focus we've placed on our team defense."Jackson compiled 147 total rebounds (7.0 rpg), 108 total defensive rebounds (5.1drpg) and 33 total blocks (1.57 bpg) in 21 games for the Storm during the 2008 season. Should she have qualified by playing the league minimum games, she would have ranked 11th (rpg) and 6th (bpg) respectively.
Jackson missed five games prior to the WNBA's Olympic break to practice with the Australian National Team, and eight games following due to ankle surgery."Lauren has earned the respect of everyone in the league, given that she's missed 13 games and still is being recognized on the all-defensive team," Storm Head Coach Brian Agler said. "She is one of the greatest players in the world, and she makes just as big of an impact on the defensive end of the court as she does on offense."
Jackson became the first Seattle Storm player, as well as the first international player, to be named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. Last season, Jackson led the league in rebounds (9.7 rpg) and her 2.03 blocks per game trailed only the Connecticut Sun's Margo Dydek (2.06 bpg). Jackson was the only player in the WNBA to rank in the top 10 in points, rebounds and blocks in 2007, and her league-best 7.1 defensive rebounds per game were nearly two more than the 5.4 posted by the runner-up, Dydek.
The Storm will continue in the WNBA Western Conference Semi-Final action on Sunday in a 2 p.m. matchup versus the Sparks at KeyArena. Tickets for Sunday's contest are available to purchase online at storm.wnba.com, at KeyArena's East Box Office, and at the Team Shop located on KeyArena's West Plaza.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from September 19, 2008
- WNBA Western Conference Semi-Final Game 3 Matchup Between Storm and Sparks on Sale - Seattle Storm
- Penicheiro And Brunson Receive All-Defensive Team Honors - Sacramento Monarchs
- Jackson named to WNBA All-Defensive Second Team - Seattle Storm
- Detroit Shock's Deanna Nolan and Katie Smith Named to All-Defensive Second Team - Detroit Shock
- San Antonio's Sophia Young Tabbed For All-Defensive First Team - San Antonio Stars
- Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie Named 2008 Defensive Player Of The Year - WNBA
- Indiana's Ebony Hoffman Named 2008 Most Improved Player Of The Year - WNBA
- Hoffman's Most Unique Double - Indiana Fever
- Health Department and Fever to Unveil Vaccination Awareness Program - Indiana Fever
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