LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks announced today the signing of Amanda Zahui B. As a member of the New York Liberty in 2020, she averaged 9.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 34% from 3-point range on nearly five attempts per game. The 6-foot-5 center is from Stockholm, Sweden.
“Amanda Zahui B. brings rebounding, size and can space the floor from the center position,” General Manager/Head Coach Derek Fisher said. “She’s a great teammate and person who brings the type of toughness and work ethic we want in our locker room. We’re really excited about her fit with the Sparks.”
After her sophomore year at the University of Minnesota, Zahui B. was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock. After playing just 9.7 minutes per game her rookie season in Tulsa, the Liberty traded for Zahui B. and a 2017 second-round pick in exchange for their 2017 first-round pick.
Over five seasons with the Liberty from 2016-2020, Zahui B. developed into a versatile, stretch-five center showing an ability to defend the paint and operate on the perimeter as a 3-point shooter. In 2019, she played one of the best games of her career against the Sparks at Staples Center when she had career-highs of 37 points and seven 3-pointers made, as the Liberty upset the Sparks 98-92. Her outside shooting continued to evolve in 2020 when she attempted a career-high 100 three-pointers in 21 appearances. For her career, she’s averaged 5.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game.
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue my career with the Los Angeles Sparks,” Zahui B. said. “From my first conversation with Coach Fisher, I knew right away that playing for the Los Angeles Sparks was a place where I could grow not only as a player but as a person. I’m so excited to be a part of this storied franchise and compete for a championship with my new teammates and fans.”
The LA Sparks and the WNBA celebrate their 25th anniversary season in 2021.