09/11/2009 - Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. -- Five former Duke Blue Devil women's basketball players continue to play key roles as the 2009 WNBA regular season comes to a close.  Mistie Bass (Chicago Sky), Alana Beard (Washington Mystics), Monique Currie (Washington Mystics), Lindsey Harding (Washington Mystics), and Chante Black (Connecticut Sun), are all helping their respective teams as they push for playoff spots as they rap up the regular season.

GoDuke.com checked in with the former Blue Devils this week.

Mistie Bass
Chicago Sky, 6-3, Forward

On Aug. 21, the Chicago Sky signed Bass and she has been a major contributor to the team since. She has started four out of the last seven games averaging 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. She showcased her ability to be an impact player for the fourth placed Eastern Conference team, scoring a season-high 15 points in a win over the Indiana Fever last night.

Alana Beard
Washington Mystics, 5-11, Guard-Forward

Washington with a record of 15-17 are currently battling for a playoff spot as the Mystics are tied for fifth place with the Connecticut Sun in the Eastern Conference. They have a two must win games coming up - up first is the second place Eastern Conference team, the Atlanta Dream, on Saturday and they will finish off the regular season taking on the New York Liberty.

Beard continues to be one of the team's most valuable players, averaging a team-leading 16.2 points per game, 12th best in the league. Beard has been a force on the defensive end averaging a team-leading 2.27 steals per game, fourth best in the league. Beard has been currently faced with an ankle injury but continues to be a leader for her team.

Beard is averaging 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game on the season and is one of the top candidates for WNBA MVP.

Lindsey Harding
Washington Mystics, 5-8, Guard

Harding continues to be a key leader on the floor for the Mystics starting all 32 games, while developing into one of the top point guards in the league.  Harding is averaging a team-leading 4.69 assists per game, while also scoring 12.7 points per game.  Harding's assist total is the seventh-best in the league. With Beard battling an ankle injury she has stepped up as a leader on the floor averaging 36 minutes per game for the last three contests.

Harding has become a more efficient shooter, improving her field goal, three-point, and free throw percentages, which has resulting in a career high in playing time.  She is also making an impact on the defensive end, averaging 1.2 steals per game. Harding is averaging 12.8 points, 4.69 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game on the season.

Monique Currie
Washington Mystics, 6-0, Forward

Currie has seen a drop in her minutes this season as a result of Washington's depth on the bench, but continues to be a vital contributor to the team.  Currie has come on late this season scoring a season-high 17 points in a win over the Seattle Storm last week.

She has started all 32 games for the Mystics and will be key in the next two games for Washington to make the playoffs.  Currie is averaging 7.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on the season.

Chante Black
Connecticut Sun, 6-5, Center

Black is continuing her impressive rookie season, helping the Sun to a tie for fifth in the Eastern Conference.  Black started the first eight games for the Sun, but after an injury in the sixth game of the season, was moved to the bench, and has prospered in her new role. She has proven to be force on the defensive end with her ability to rebound and block shots.

Connecticut will close the regular season against Atlanta and Indiana this weekend.  Black is averaging 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 points, and 0.8 blocks per game on the season.