LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks acquired center Kristine Anigwe and a 2021 third round pick from the Dallas Wings and sent back the 2021 second round pick LA received from the Wings in exchange for Marina Mabrey, the team announced today. Anigwe was drafted ninth overall by the Connecticut Sun in the 2019 WNBA Draft after a decorated career at the University of California, Berkeley.
“We’re excited to add Kristine Anigwe to our organization,” Managing Partner Eric Holoman said. “She is a talented young player who showed tremendous leadership in college and who fits with the identity of our team.”
“Kristine Anigwe is a versatile, two-way post player who will provide additional athleticism and rebounding to our frontcourt rotation,” Head Coach Derek Fisher added. “She was an efficient and prolific scorer at the collegiate level, and our coaching staff is looking forward to working with her.”
In her rookie season, Anigwe appeared in 27 games for the Sun and Wings, averaging 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in limited minutes. She was traded from Connecticut to Dallas prior to the 2019 playoffs for Theresa Plaisance.
“I’m really excited to join the Sparks organization,” Anigwe said. “I look forward to competing for a championship and filling any role asked of me. I can’t wait to play alongside teammates who have been role models throughout my basketball career.”
As a senior at Cal, Anigwe averaged 22.5 points and 16.2 rebounds per game, leading the nation in rebounding. She received the 2019 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award and led Cal to the NCAA tournament.