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Former Duke Women's Basketball Players Making Noise In The WNBA
6/19/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
DURHAM, N.C.- Former Duke Women's Basketball Player's Mistie Williams, Monique Currie, Iciss Tillis and Alana Beard are all making an impact in the WNBA this season. With all four players representing different teams the former Duke standouts are sure to bring excitment to venues across the country this summer.
Mistie Williams ? Forward, Houston Comets
Thus far in her rookie season, Williams is coming off the bench, averaging about five minutes per game in eight contests, with a season high of 13 against Sacramento. She is ranked sixth in the league for defensive boards per minute at 8.6, proving herself as a force to be reckoned with on the defense glass. On the offensive end, she is contributing solid performances to the leaders of the Western Conference, shooting 57% from the field. Recently in an entry on the Comet' “Blog Squad,” Williams discussed how the team has eased her transition from the world of college athletics to professional competition:
“My entire team is a great group of women who really epitomize what a role model should be for young girls to follow. They all work hard for what they have, and give back to the community! To me that is really important, and I feel privileged.”
Be sure to look for the former Blue Devil to soar throughout the summer as the Comets look to make a title run.
Monique Currie ? Guard/Forward, Charlotte Sting
Currie, another member of the talented 2005-06 Blue Devils, has proven herself to be a great leader for the Sting this year, starting in five of six games with an average of 25 minutes per game. On May 23, 2006, Currie put together a standout rookie performance against the Los Angeles Sparks, with 19 points, 11 of which came from the charity stripe, as well as three offensive boards and four steals. She is also averaging over 75% from the free throw line. According the Sting website in “Chat Transcript: Monique Currie,” she is currently “one of only five rookies to averaged double-digit scoring (10.8 points) with their respective clubs, and one of only four players in the Top 10 in the rookie rankings in points, rebounds (3.8), assists (2.3) and steals (1.75).” It is clear to see that Currie is making her presence known to the WNBA as she had done during her Duke career.
Iciss Tillis ? Forward/Center, New York Liberty
In her third season in the league and first with the Liberty, Tillis is playing a supporting role with her new team, competing in five of New York's eight games so far this season. In a June 9th contest against Houston, Tillis shot 5-of-10 from the floor, scoring 12 points. She was also credited with two offensive boards and two steals against the Comets. In 2005, she played alongside fellow Blue Devil Alana Beard with the Washington Mystics. Tillis began her WNBA career as with the Detroit Shock, selected as the 11th overall pick in the first round.
Alana Beard ? Guard/Forward, Washington Mystics
In her fourth season with the Mystics, Beard is once again displaying the prowess and dynamic play that have become associated with her career. The 2005 WNBA All-Star has started in all eight games so far this season, shooting over 50% from the floor and coming in second in the league for three-point field goal percentage. She's also shooting well from the charity stripe at 75%. As of June 19th 2006, Beard was ranked 2nd in the league for steals per game (2.2), 5th in points per game (20.7) and 6th for total points (207) and field goals made (75). Her top offensive performance so far this summer came against Connecticut on June 11th, shooting 12 of 23 from the floor for 29 points. In a June 17th match versus the New York Liberty, she went 10 for 10 from the free throw line and had 8 defensive boards and a season high five steals, while helping the Mystics improve their home record to a perfect 6-0. Beard continues to demonstrate great leadership for her team, as well as showing herself to be one of the league's top players. She is slated for the 2006 All-Star team, so be sure to vote for this Blue Devil favorite as she continues her stellar pro career.
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