The WNBA kicks off its 28th season tonight, with seven former Stanford players taking the court for teams across the league. This impressive showing places Stanford fourth among all schools, trailing only powerhouses like UConn, South Carolina, and Notre Dame.
Headlining the Stanford contingent is Nneka Ogwumike, entering her thirteenth WNBA season with the Seattle Storm. After a dozen years with the Los Angeles Sparks, Ogwumike brings her MVP pedigree and six All-WNBA selections to the Storm lineup. Coming off a strong season where she ranked sixth in both scoring (19.1 ppg) and rebounding (8.8 rpg), Ogwumike is poised to make a significant impact in Seattle.
Joining Ogwumike in Seattle is Kiana Williams, returning to the WNBA after a brief hiatus. Drafted by the Storm in 2021, Williams impressed in preseason with a nine-point performance, signaling her readiness to contribute this season.
Lexie Hull continues her professional journey with the Indiana Fever, entering her third season since being drafted sixth overall in 2022. With 56 games under her belt, including 29 starts, Hull brings her versatility and steady play to the Fever roster.
Haley Jones, the 2021 national champion, embarks on her second season with the Atlanta Dream. A key contributor in her rookie year, Jones showcased her scoring prowess and all-around game, including a career-high 23 points against Las Vegas.
Alanna Smith found a new home with the Minnesota Lynx after a stint with the Chicago Sky. Smith's breakout season in Chicago saw her posting career highs across the board and earning recognition as a Most Improved Player finalist.
Karlie Samuelson brings her sharpshooting skills to the Washington Mystics after stints with multiple teams. Coming off a career-best season with the Los Angeles Sparks, Samuelson looks to continue her success in Washington.
Since the WNBA's inception, Stanford has been a breeding ground for talent, with 33 former players gracing the league and bringing home eight WNBA titles collectively. As these seven players take the court, they carry on Stanford's legacy of excellence in women's basketball.
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