Ogwumike taken No. 1 by Sparks in WNBA draft

By Doug Feinberg

Associated Press

Published: Monday, April 16 2012 12:20 p.m. MDT

FILE - In this March 31, 2012 file photo, Stanford's Nnemkadi Ogwumike reaches for the ball during practice at the NCAA Women's Final Four college basketball tournament in Denver. The Sparks, who have three of the first four picks in the second round of the WNBA draft, on Monday, April 16, 2012, are expected to select Ogwumike at No. 1 overall.

Eric Gay, File, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

Stanford star Nnemkadi Ogwumike was selected with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday.

BRISTOL, Conn. — Stanford star Nnemkadi Ogwumike was selected with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday.

Ogwumike helped guide the Cardinal to the Final Four during all four of her seasons at the school, including this year's loss to eventual champion Baylor. The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds this past season.

The Sparks finished with the fourth worst record in the league at 15-19 but won the draft lottery in November. Los Angeles also had the top pick in 2008 and selected Tennessee star Candace Parker, who went on to win Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in her first season.

The WNBA season begins May 18, with training camps opening April 29.

Comments