Sparks Sign All-Star Guard Betty Lennox

LOS ANGELES � All-Star guard and 2000 WNBA Rookie of the Year Betty Lennox has signed with the Los Angeles Sparks it was announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lennox was selected in the first round, (sixth overall), by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2000 WNBA draft. Her nine-year WNBA career includes stints with the Lynx, Miami Sol, Cleveland Rockers, Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream. In 2004, after being selected by Seattle in the dispersal draft, she led the Storm to the WNBA Championship and was named the WNBA Finals MVP.

"Betty is a dynamic guard, both offensively and defensively, who brings instant toughness to our backcourt" said Sparks Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler. "Her championship experience will definitely help us in our quest to win the title in 2009."

After being selected in the expansion draft by the Atlanta Dream in February 2008, Lennox started 33 of 34 games and averaged 17.5 ppg for the season before being waived. For her career, she is averaging 12.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.1 apg in 202 career starts.

"I have to first thank God for this opportunity. This is a dream come true for me," said Lennox.

"I'm happy and more than excited to be part of the Sparks organization."

In two years at Louisiana Tech, Lennox played in 67 games and averaged 13.7 ppg and 5.0 rpg. In her senior campaign, she was selected the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, named to the Associated Press All-America Third Team, the USA Basketball Writers Association All-America First Team and the Women's Basketball News Service All-America First Team. Lennox played at Trinity Valley Community College (Athens, Texas) in 1996-97 and led the team to the Junior College National Championship as Trinity Valley posted a 34-2 record.

The Los Angeles Sparks tip-off the WNBA season on June 6th at the STAPLES Center against the Defending Champion Detroit Shock at 11:30 am. For more information on season or group tickets logon to www.lasparks.com or call 877-44-SPARKS.