Sting send Staley to Houston

August 2, 2005 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Charlotte Sting News Release


The Charlotte Sting acquired a 2006 first round draft pick, forward Kristen Rasmussen and guard/forward Adrienne Goodson from the Houston Comets in exchange for point guard Dawn Staley and a 2006 second round draft pick, it was announced today by Charlotte Sting General Manager and Head Coach Trudi Lacey. In addition, the Sting placed forward Ayana Walker on the Injured List with left Achilles tendinitis.

"This move will help us continue to rebuild our team. We now have two first round draft picks in 2006 plus two proven players in Rasmussen and Goodson," said Lacey. "Dawn Staley has been a great ambassador for women's basketball and the Charlotte Sting in every possible aspect. She has meant the world to our franchise, and we wish her nothing but the best. This gives her an opportunity to compete for a WNBA Championship."

Rasmussen, a five-year WNBA veteran, has averaged 5.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting .445 (327-735) in 175 career games. Originally selected by the Utah Starzz with the 51st pick in the 2000 WNBA Draft, Rasmussen's WNBA career has included stints with the Starzz, Miami Sol and Indiana Fever. Traded to the Houston Comets from the Fever on April 24, 2005, Rasmussen has seen action in 24 games (19 starts) and is averaging 5.0 points and 3.2 rebounds in 2005.

Goodson, a six-year WNBA veteran, has averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 211 career games. Originally selected by the Utah Starzz with the 27th pick of the 1999 WNBA Draft, Goodson was named to the 2002 WNBA Western Conference All-Star Team. Signed by the Houston Comets as a free agent on April 19, 2005, she is averaging 3.1 points and 1.6 rebounds in 23 games this season.

Staley, selected by Charlotte with the ninth overall selection in the 1999 WNBA Draft, started all 219 games in her career with the Sting. She is averaging 6.3 points in 2005 and ranks third among WNBA leaders with 5.3 assists.

A three-time Olympic gold-medalist, Staley led Team USA to its third consecutive gold medal last August in Athens, Greece. She was also elected as the U.S. Delegation's flag bearer for the opening ceremony and was named USA Basketball's 2004 Female Athlete of the Year.

The Sting play at Washington on Tuesday, August 2 at 8 p.m. before hosting Sacramento on Thursday, August 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased at the Charlotte Coliseum Box Office, all TicketMaster locations, by calling 1-877-WNBA-TIX or by logging onto www.charlottesting.com. Fans can also download a schedule and obtain further ticket information at www.charlottesting.com.

The Charlotte Bobcats Organization includes the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA), the Charlotte Sting (WNBA) and the New Charlotte Arena, opening in the fall of 2005.



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