Elena Delle Donne is headed to the Windy City. The University of Delaware star was selected by the Chicago Sky Monday night with the second overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft
Delle Donne says it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
"This has definitely been a dream ever since I’ve been playing basketball. I wanted to play it professionally – so I’ve had my eye on the WNBA and I’m lucky enough to have a league to play in after college. So, a big thank you to the women before me that made this possible," said Delle Donne.
Delle Donne expects her versatility to help her adjust quickly to the pros, but adds she will need to get a bit stronger to compete at the next level.
She also believes she will fit in very well with her new team.
"I think playing along side Sylvia Fowles, Courtney Vandersloot, Epiphanny Prince, Swin Cash - all those players are awesome. And I think I'm going to fit very well into their system. We'll be able to spread the floor a lot and really create some room for (Sky center Sylvia Fowles) to really go to work in the paint," said Delle Donne.
The Sky went 14-20 last season and missed the playoffs. Their first game this season with Delle Donne in uniform will be May 27th on the road against Phoenix and the number one overall pick, Britney Griner of Baylor. Delle Donne makes her Chicago debut May 31st against Connecticut.
Delle Donne is only the second UD player ever drafted by the WNBA, joining Tyresa Smith who was a second round pick of the Phoenix Mercury in 2007.