Bradford to join team for tonight’s home game vs. Phoenix Mercury
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks signed Crystal Bradford, the team’s first round selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Penny Toler.
The seventh overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft, Bradford finished her four-year career at Central Michigan ranked atop the school’s record books in four categories: scoring (2,006), rebounding (1,140), made field goals (805) and blocked shots (177). The only player in history to score 2,000 career points, she also finished her career ranked third in steals (278) and fourth in assists (384).
”We are excited to get Crystal on the court,” said Sparks head coach Brian Agler. “She has tremendous basketball instincts and the ability to score and rebound. I’m looking forward to seeing her growth and development.”
Bradford averaged 19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals in 22 games played as a senior (2014-15). She finished the year named an All-MAC Second Team selection, WBCA Region 4 All-American nominee and named the collegesportsmadness.com women’s basketball High-Major Player of the Year.
The 2014 MAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, Bradford set CMU single-season records with 588 points and 226 field goals and became just the second player in program history to score 20-plus points per game during her junior season. She also led the Chippewas with 354 rebounds, the second most in program history. As a junior, she led the MAC in rebounds per game (12.2 rpg), steals per game (2.66 spg) and double-doubles (22) and became the first player in school and conference history with multiple triple doubles in a season (2).
While producing her best season as a junior, averaging 20.3 points, 12.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists, she also led the Chippewas in scoring, rebounds, blocks and steals as a sophomore and freshman. As a freshman, she earned MAC Honorable Mention honors and was named to the MAC All-Freshman Team.
The Los Angeles Sparks will host the Phoenix Mercury (July 21) and New York Liberty (July 22) at STAPLES Center before the 2015 WNBA All-Star Game on July 25 in Connecticut. For Sparks individual and group tickets, in all lower-bowl sections of STAPLES Center, call 844-GO-SPARKS or visit LASparks.com.