Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
Just a day after the end of the NBA Season for the Wizards, the WNBA process of team building begins with the 2016 WNBA Draft. There is no doubting that the Seattle Storm received one of the best players in college history in Breanna Stewart with the Number 1 Pick, but the Mystics have picked up a good addition to their squad in Kahleah Copper from Rutgers.
“Kahleah is one of the most improved and under-appreciated players in the country,” said Mystics general manager and head coach Mike Thibault. “She has improved each year at Rutgers. Her length and quickness have helped her become a very good defender. She has always been good in transition and has been a very good rebounder. This past season, she added the three point shot to her game and shot a very good overall percentage from both inside and outside the three point line.”
A 6-1 forward, Copper scored in double figures in 30 of her last 34 games and recorded 11 double doubles. She led her team this past year in both points per game (17.7) and rebounds per game (8.0) as she was named to her second appearance on the All-Big Ten Second Team. This is the third consecutive year that she led her team in scoring. She finished her career third on Rutgers’ all-time scoring leaders list with 1,872 career points.
During the 2014-15 season, Copper led Rutgers to the WNIT title game where she recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds and was named the tournament’s MVP. That season, she also received First Team All-American honors. Copper received numerous honors during her collegiate career, including Big-East All-Freshman Team while averaging 14.1 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game.
The Mystics first chance to look at Copper comes May 6th at Verizon Center
