LaSondra Barrett selected in first round

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Former Lady Tiger taken 10th overall by WNBA’s Washington Mystics

Tiger Rag News Services

BRISTOL, Conn. - For the seventh time in LSU women’s basketball history, the Lady Tigers have produced a WNBA Draft first round pick as senior forward LaSondra Barrett was taken by the Washington Mystics with the 10th overall selection on Monday afternoon at ESPN Headquarters.

Barrett, a native of Jackson, Miss., joins a prestigious list of first round picks in LSU history that includes Sylvia Fowles (2008), Seimone Augustus (2006), Scholanda Robinson (2006), Temeka Johnson (2005), Aiysha Smith (2003) and Marie Ferdinand (2001). Barrett is the third LSU player to be selected by Washington in the first round since 2003.

“I am excited and willing to do whatever it takes,” said Barrett. “I will bring competitive drive to any position in whatever the team needs me to do. I am very thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait for training camp.”

Barrett, widely considered one of the most versatile players in the draft, was one of four Southeastern Conference players selected in the first 10 picks. Tennessee had three players drafted in the first seven picks.

“Washington is getting a great player but most importantly, a great person,” said LSU head coach Nikki Caldwell. “We are very proud of what LaSondra has accomplished on and off the court. She will be a great ambassador for LSU as a professional. She has unlimited potential with her versatility and size.”

Barrett concluded her LSU career as the school’s 11th all-time leading scorer (1,553 points) and 10th all-time leading rebounder (813 rebounds).  She averaged 12.3 points and 6.5 boards per contest in her four seasons and she shattered the LSU career record for free throws made with 497.The record broke Fowles’ mark of 494. As a senior, Barrett carried the Lady Tigers to the NCAA Tournament second round and championship game of the SEC Tournament. She produced eight double-doubles, 26 double-figure scoring games and played every position on the floor at some point during the year.

She put up 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per a game in her final year. She averaged 17.5 points and 11.0 rebounds in the 2012 NCAA Tournament and she earned first-team All-SEC honors.

LSU WNBA Draft First Round Picks
2001    Marie Ferdinand         8^th pick to Utah
2003    Aiysha Smith              7^th pick to Washington
2005    Temeka Johnson          6^th pick to Washington
2006    Seimone Augustus      1^st pick to Minnesota
2006    Scholanda Robinson   14^th pick to Sacramento
2008    Sylvia Fowles              2^nd pick to Chicago
2012    LaSondra Barrett        10^th pick to Washington