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Women's National Basketball Association

Top picks in 2009 WNBA Draft

April 9, 2009 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) News Release


SECAUCUS, N.J., April 9, 2009 - Angel McCoughtry, Marissa Coleman and Kristi Toliver were selected with the first three picks of the 2009 WNBA Draft presented by adidas.

The Atlanta Dream selected McCoughtry with the first overall pick of the draft. The Washington Mystics used the second pick to draft Marissa Coleman, the Chicago Sky selected Kristi Toliver with the third pick, the Minnesota Lynx picked Renee Montgomery fourth and the Phoenix Mercury chose DeWanna Bonner to round out the first five selections.

McCoughtry enters the WNBA after leading the Louisville Cardinals to their first-ever NCAA Championship game against Connecticut after which she was named to the Final Four All-Tournament Team. She wrapped up her college career as the Louisville's all-time leading scorer among both men and women while also becoming the top rebounder in the school's women's basketball history. Over her four-year career, she was named a three-time Associated Press All-America selection, two-time WBCA/State Farm All-America selection and the Big East Player of the Year in 2007.

"I'm thrilled to be selected by Atlanta because it's a great city," said McCoughtry. "I'm ready to get to work. I'm looking forward to helping this team get some wins and hopefully win a WNBA Championship. To be selected No. 1 is very humbling."

Maryland teammates Coleman and Toliver were selected consecutively with the second and third picks, marking the first time teammates were drafted back-to-back in the first five picks since Connecticut's Sue Bird (No. 1) and Swin Cash (No. 2) in the 2002 draft. As freshmen, the Terrapin tandem won the NCAA National Championship in 2006. Coleman wrapped up her Maryland career with over 2,000 points and more than 1,000 rebounds while Toliver was a two-time WBCA/State Farm and Associated Press All-America selection.

"This is the moment that I've always dreamed about, playing at the highest level with the best players in the world," said Coleman.

"I'm so excited I can't put it into words," said Toliver. "I'm kind of coming back to earth now, I was on cloud nine. I just talked to Coach Steve Key and he seems like a great guy. He's welcomed me with open arms. I'm just really excited about the next level."

Courtney and Ashley Paris became the fourth pair of sisters and the third pair of twins to be drafted in the same year. Connecticut guard and member of the 2009 NCAA Champion Connecticut Huskies Renee Montgomery was drafted fourth overall by the Minnesota Lynx.

The complete draft order follows.

About the WNBA The WNBA is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement and diversity. Comprised of 13 teams, the WNBA is the most successful women's professional team sports league in the world. The league concluded its historic 12th regular season with increases in attendance, ratings, and Web traffic and merchandise sales. The 2009 WNBA season will tip off June 6 on ABC.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women's health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com

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