Sparks Add Kianna Smith, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, and Amy Atwell
LOS ANGELES (April 11, 2022) – The Los Angeles Sparks selected Kianna Smith from the University of Louisville with the 16th overall pick, Olivia Nelson-Ododa from the University of Connecticut with the 19th overall pick, and Amy Atwell from the University of Hawaii with the 27th overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft.
Smith, a 6-foot guard from Moreno Valley, California, averaged 11.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 62 total games for the Lady Cards over two seasons. Prior to transferring to Louisville, she played in 65 total games (64 starts), averaging 9.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in two seasons with University of California.
“We approached this draft needing wing players as well as additional shooting, “General Manager/Head Coach Derek Fisher said. “Kianna Smith fits both those needs. She excelled on the biggest stage in the Final Four this season and we’re happy to welcome Kianna to LA.”
Nelson-Ododa, an All-BIG EAST First Team Selection in 2022, played in 133 total games for the Huskies, holding career averages of 9.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. The 6-foot-5 center from Lansing, Michigan helped lead UConn to four consecutive Final Fours in her collegiate career.
“Olivia Nelson-Ododa was a contributor on both ends of the floor for a UConn program that went to four consecutive Final Fours in her tenure,” Fisher said. “We’re excited to see how her size, length, rebounding, and passing ability can translate at the next level.”
Atwell, a guard/forward from Australia, is the first player from the University of Hawaii drafted since 1997. This past year she won the Big West Conference Player of the Year, and led her team to the NCAA tournament. In the first-round against Baylor, Atwell poured in 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. During her senior season, she averaged 17.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 38.4% on 3-pointers on 6.6 attempts per game.
“Amy Atwell is one of the better shooters in the 2022 class, not just in her ability to convert her attempts but in the way she can get her shot off,” Fisher said. “Atwell coming to camp gives us another floor spacer and versatile, perimeter player.”
The draft picks of Smith, Nelson-Ododa, and Atwell followed the selection of Rae Burrell with the ninth pick.
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS
Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of three original franchises in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), have qualified for the playoffs in 20 of their 25 seasons and remain the only active team in the league to win back-to-back titles. The Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Crypto.com Arena has a championship level entertainment experience while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. LA Sparks 2022 season tickets are available here for purchase.
Contact: Corrie Hemry, Manager, Communications
chemry@la-sparks.com | (714) 461-8713