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Minnesota Lynx Select Center Nicky Anosike and Forward Charde Houston in the 2008 WNBA Draft

April 9, 2008 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Minnesota Lynx News Release


MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Lynx today selected University of Tennessee center Nicky Anosike with the team's 16th overall selection in the 2008 WNBA Draft.

The Lynx also drafted University of Connecticut forward Charde Houston with the 30th overall selection in Wednesday's draft. The two draft choices followed the selection of Stanford star Candice Wiggins, who the Lynx selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round of the draft.

"The three players that we have added to our roster today come from three elite college programs and have played for three Hall-of-Fame coaches," Lynx Chief Operating Officer Roger Griffith said. "In addition to Candice Wiggins, we have added two players who will significantly strengthen our defensive presence and our athleticism. With the three players that we have added to the core of talented players already on our roster, I am expecting the Lynx to be a playoff team in 2008 and beyond."

Anosike closed out her Tennessee career by tallying 12 points, eight rebounds and a game-high six steals in leading the Lady Vols to a 64-48 win over Stanford in Tuesday night's NCAA Championship game. It was the eight NCAA crown in Tennessee's history. Anosike averaged 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks in her four-year career under legendary Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt.

Anosike had 37 blocks in NCAA Tournament games, which ranks her fifth all-time in Division I history. She is also one of just 13 Lady Vols to amass 1,000 points and 800 rebounds. She joins Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings and Candace Parker as the only four Lady Vols to amass 600+ points, 500+ rebounds, 100+ blocks, 100+ steals and 125+ assists in their college careers.

"We were extremely excited that Nicky Anosike was available when we drafted her at No. 16," Lynx head coach Don Zierden said. "With her size and defensive ability, she gives us the presence in the paint that we were looking for in this draft. Charde Houston impressed us in the Big East Tournament and in the Final Four and she was one of the most athletic defenders available in this draft. With the three players that we added to our roster today, we are very excited with how our team is set up for success this year and in the near future."

Houston represents the 19th UConn player selected in a WNBA Draft. She posted 1,365 career points, which rank as the 22nd highest scoring total in UConn annals. Also a factor on the defensive end throughout her collegiate career, Houston tallied 132 career blocks - which ranks eighth-best among Connecticut's career leaders.

For her career, Houston posted double-figure points 71 times and was recognized as the Most Outstanding Player of the 2008 BIG EAST Tournament in addition to being an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America selection.

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.

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