With their second and third picks, the Seattle Storm chose to go big selecting Arizona's 6-foot-2 forward Ify Ibekwe 24th overall to close the second round and 6'5" center Krystal Thomas 36th overall as the last pick in the third round and the draft.
Seattle basketball fans might be familiar with Ibekwe from her most days of lighting up the Washington Huskies in Hec Ed, both with her rebounding and scoring. For the Storm, her ability to step out and hit the 3-point shot (42.4%) will be essential to show the versatility to challenge for a roster spot on a veteran-laden championship team. Ibekwe nearly averaged a double-double with 16.1 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game.
Thomas was an excellent defender at Duke, but the question will be whether she is able to do enough offensively to truly have a shot at making the team.
With the drafting of Jasmine and Krystal Thomas in addition to the signing of Bridgette Mitchell as a free agent recently, the Storm will have a trio of Duke players in camp this year.
Mitchell Signs Training Camp Contract With Seattle - Duke University Blue Devils | Official Athletics Site - GoDuke.com
A 6-1 wing, Mitchell graduated from Duke in 2010. She averaged 8.4 points and 4.6 rebounds as a senior. Mitchell started 43 of 131 games played over her career and was one of Duke's all-time best offensive rebounders as she pulled down 276 over her four-year career.
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WNBA Draft 2011: Seattle Storm Select Ify Ibekwe, Krystal Thomas
Apr 11
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