Minnesota Lynx Re-Sign Center Nicole Ohlde
Published on March 3, 2008 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Minnesota Lynx News Release
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Lynx today announced that they have re-signed restricted free-agent center Nicole Ohlde. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"As we continue to build a roster that is a perennial playoff contender, it is imperative for us to solidify the nucleus of our roster, which includes Nicole Ohlde," Lynx Chief Operating Officer Roger Griffith said. "Over the last four years, Nicole has proven to be one of the most consistent and respected post players in the WNBA. As we continue to add depth to our roster, we feel that Nicole will only get better. Nicole brings leadership, maturity and professionalism to our franchise. The energy and work ethic she brings to the table are important to what we are trying to accomplish. She is a great ambassador, both on and off the court, for the Lynx organization."
Since joining the Lynx in 2004, Ohlde has played in all 136 games in her four seasons in the WNBA. It is the longest streak in Lynx history. In 2007, she averaged 11.5 points, a career-high 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. She ranked 12th in the WNBA in rebounding with 208 rebounds, the first time in her career that she finished with more than 200 in a season, and she was also 11th in the league in free-throw accuracy at 84.5 percent.
"We're very excited to have Nicole back in the fold," Lynx head coach Don Zierden said. "I thought she did a great job in 2007 for us in shouldering much of the burden in our front court. We drafted all guards last year and we asked Nicole to try to hold the fort down for us. We think that by getting her some help this year via trade or the draft, it will make her even better. We're also excited to bring in Jennifer Gillom to coach Nicole and our other post players. We think there is a lot of upside for Nicole, and we're looking forward to having her in a Lynx uniform for years to come."
The Lynx selected Ohlde with the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 2004 WNBA Draft. In her four seasons with the Lynx, she has averaged 11.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. A native of Clay Center, Kan., she graduated from Kansas State University in 2004, leaving there as the most decorated player in Kansas State women's basketball history. She is the only Wildcat to register over 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, 300 assists and 200 blocks in a career.
Ohlde is currently playing overseas in Valenciennes, France, where she is averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game for US Valenciennes Olympic.
"I am very excited to be staying with the Minnesota Lynx and to have the opportunity to continue to play in front of the only fans that I have known in my WNBA career," Ohlde said. "The women's basketball fans in Minnesota are among the most knowledgeable and passionate fans in the entire country, and I am thrilled that I will be playing in front of them in a Minnesota uniform in 2008 and beyond. When I look back on the 2007 season, I think we played some of our best basketball near the end of the season and finished with a lot of momentum. For our fans and staff, I hope to continue that momentum in 2008, our 10th Anniversary season, and I am convinced that it will carry us all the way back to the playoffs."
The Minnesota Lynx will open their 10th Anniversary Season on May 18, 2008, against the Detroit Shock. Season and group tickets are on sale now for this historic season. Be a part of the celebration by calling 612-673-8400, e-mailing tickets@lynxbasketball.com or visiting www.lynxbasketball.com.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from March 3, 2008
- Minnesota Lynx Joins Forces With A|B GroupOne - Minnesota Lynx
- Houston Comets Statement on Sheryl Swoopes - Houston Comets
- Storm Signs WNBA Great Sheryl Swoopes - Seattle Storm
- Sun Sign Berglin And Gardin - Connecticut Sun
- Minnesota Lynx Re-Sign Center Nicole Ohlde - Minnesota Lynx
- San Antonio Picks Up 2009 Options On Young, Crossley - San Antonio Stars
- Monarchs Sign Both Brunson And Powell To Four-Year Deals - Sacramento Monarchs
- Take Home A Piece Of Our History - New York Liberty
- Shock Promotes Cheryl Reeve To Director Of Player Personnel - Detroit Shock
- Detroit Shock's Cheryl Ford Nominated For Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award - Detroit Shock
- Koehn Returns To Mystics - Washington Mystics
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.
