Sparks Acquire and Sign Gruda in Trade with Connecticut Sun
Published on March 31, 2014 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release
LOS ANGELES -Los Angeles Sparks Executive Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler today announced the team has acquired the rights to and signed forward/center Sandrine Gruda from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for the Sparks 2014 WNBA first round draft pick (#11) and 2015 second round draft pick. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"I am thrilled about Sandrine joining the Sparks family," said Toler. "She is a powerful player who will not only add scoring power to our already solid offensive game, but will also bring in a solid defensive presence to dominate the boards alongside Nneka, Candace and Jantel."
The 6-4 veteran has played internationally since 2005, and in 2007 was drafted by the Connecticut Sun in the first round (13^th overall) of the 2007 WNBA Draft. Gruda is currently playing in Russia with UMMC Ekaterinburg alongside Sparks forward/center and 2013 WNBA MVP Candace Parker. Through 17 games in Russian Professional Basketball League (PBL) play, she leads UMMC in points (18.8 ppg) and is second on the team in rebounds (6.4 rpg), behind only Candace Parker (9.3 rpg). Last season, the Gruda/Parker duo led UMMC Ekaterinburg to the coveted 2014 Russian PBL Championship and the 2014 EuroLeague title.
"I am so happy to be with the Sparks and thankful to be back in the WNBA," said Gruda. "I can't wait to get to Los Angeles and wear the jersey I've been wanting to wear since I was a young girl. I am grateful that I get to continue playing with Candace, since I'm already with her here in Russia. It's going to be a great season and I'm looking forward to being part of the Los Angeles Sparks. It's a dream come true!"
Drafted in 2007, she joined Connecticut in 2008 for her first of three seasons with the team. Through 85 career games with the Sun (2008 - 2010), she averaged 10.2 points and 4.7 rebounds and shot 47.2% from the floor. She had her best season in 2009 averaging career highs in points (13.5 ppg) and rebounds (6.3 rpg) in 26 games.
Drafted in 2007, she joined Connecticut in 2008 for her first of three seasons with the team. Through 85 career games with the Sun (2008 - 2010), she averaged 10.2 points and 4.7 rebounds and shot 47.2% from the floor. She had her best season in 2009 averaging career highs in points (13.5 ppg) and rebounds (6.3 rpg) in 26 games.
"Sandrine is a great addition and will be a key piece going forward and into the 2014 season," said Sparks forward/center Candace Parker. "I am excited for her to join the Sparks organization as she brings size, athleticism and adds another inside presence to the team. Sandrine and I have played alongside one another overseas for the past five years and have established a wonderful chemistry that I know will carry over into the WNBA."
Gruda is a member of the French national team, and in 2009 led her team to the EuroBasket title. She also represented her home country and led France to quarterfinals appearances in both the 2006 World Championship and the 2007 EuroBasket.
Sparks season and group ticket plans, in all lower-bowl sections of STAPLES Center, are available now by calling 877-44-SPARKS (772757) or visiting LASparks.com.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from March 31, 2014
- New York Liberty Individual Game Tickets Go on Sale Tuesday - New York Liberty
- Sparks Acquire and Sign Gruda in Trade with Connecticut Sun - Los Angeles Sparks
- Sun Trade Sandrine Gruda to Sparks - Connecticut Sun
- Tulsa Shock Single-Game Tickets on Sale April 1 - Tulsa Shock
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