Wolfpack two way standout became one of the top players in the ACC (Photo Credit - 247sports.com)
When it comes to the Mystics under the direction of General Manager and Head Coach Mike Thibault, I’ve come to expect the unexpected when it comes to draft selections and player movement. So it was no surprised when the Mystics selected NC State guard Kiara Leslie with the 10th pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. 6’0 Leslie, a University of Maryland transfer (2014-2017) spent the last two seasons at NC State as a graduate student and blossomed into one of the best all-around guards in the country. Leslie averaged 15.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.8 assist while shooting 38 percent from 3-point territory for the Wolfpack during the 2018-2019 season, earning All-ACC First and ACC Defensive Team honors. Obviously, there was a void on the wing where a physical two way threat was needed with former Mystics defensive ace Tierra-Ruffin Pratt moving on to the Sparks. Leslie has the potential to fill that role and then some.
*Fun Fact - Leslie older brother is former McDonalds All American and All-ACC performer CJ Leslie (NC State) who was a high school teammate of Wizards point guard John Wall at Word of God (NC).
“I think Kiara Leslie is the perfect fit for our team,” said Mystics Head Coach Mike Thibault. “She is a physical wing player who has excelled at both ends of the court at North Carolina State. One of the things I liked most about Kiara was her ability to come up big in the biggest games, particularly at tournament time. She is an elite defensive player already and has become an excellent offensive threat, particularly with her consistency as an improved three-point shooter. We are looking forward to Kiara becoming a part of the Mystics organization.”
Fuehring emerged as one of the ACC's most efficient low post threats during the 18-19 season ( Photo Credit - Louisville Cardinals)
In the third round, Washington selected 6’3 forward Sam Fuehring with the 34th pick. The former Louisville Cardinal averaged 10.8 points and a team high 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 55 percent from the field, 37 percent from deep and 82 percent from the charity stripe. Fuehring was an integral part in helping Louisville advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament this season, earning ACC All-Tournament Team and NCAA Albany Region All-Tournament Team honors.
Washington’s home opener is June 1st at 7p.m. against the Atlanta Dream at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights.
