Mystics select Tamara James
April 5, 2006 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Washington Mystics News Release
Washington, D.C. - The Washington Mystics today selected Tamara James from the University of Miami with the eight overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft.
"Tamara is a versatile player that can shoot the three," said General Manager Linda Hargrove. "She plays hard every minute of the game."
James averaged 20 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game and 2.0 assists per game during her four years at Miami. She received AP and WBCA All-America Honorable mention in 2005. She was named to the All-ACC First Team in 2005 and 2006. When Miami was still in the Big East Conference, James was also named to the All-Big East First Team in 2004.
With the 19th overall pick, Washington selected UCLA Guard Nikki Blue. At 5-8, Blue averaged 15.2 points per game, 5.1 assists per game and 5.2 rebounds per game. She was named to the Pac-10 All-Tournament team in 2003, 2004, and 2005. She was also named to All-Pac 10 First-Team 2003-2006.
"We were thrilled that Nikki was in the second round," added Hargrove. "We thought that she was one of the top point guards in the draft. She is explosive and can shoot the three."
With the 33rd pick, the Mystics selected Center Mariam Sy of Oklahoma City University. Sy was named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Player of the Year. She averaged 22.4 points per game, 9.7 rebounds per game and 2.26 assists per game her senior year. Sy will not play this season due to a torn ACL but the Mystics will retain her rights.
The 2006 Mystics season kicks off on Tuesday, May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. when the team hosts conference rival, New York Liberty. Single-game tickets as well as season tickets and partial plans can be purchased by calling 1.877-DC.HOOP1 or by visiting the Mystics web site at www.washingtonmystics.com.
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