Lynx Select Sheri Sam in Dispersal Draft

Sheri Sam was an All-Star in 2002. WNBAE/Getty Images

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April 24, 2003 — The Lynx selected former Miami Sol forward and 2002 WNBA All-Star Sheri Sam in today's WNBA Dispersal Draft. The one-round draft was held to disperse players from the Miami and Portland franchises, which ceased operations during the offseason. The Lynx received the second selection in the Dispersal Draft based on the team's 2003 regular-season record.

Sam, a four-year WNBA veteran, led Miami in scoring (14.5 ppg), rebounding (4.8 rpg), steals (2.16 spg, fourth in WNBA) and minutes (33.5 mpg) in 2002, earning her first WNBA All-Star appearance. Her 14.5 ppg ranked 15th in the league (fifth in the Eastern Conference) as she broke her own Sol single-season record with 463 points. The 6-0 forward established a Sol record by scoring in double figures 16 consecutive games from June 4-July 13. She recorded a career high and a Sol record 27 points on June 28 at Detroit.

"We're extremely excited to have Sheri Sam join the Minnesota Lynx," said Lynx head coach Suzie McConnell Serio. "She is an All-Star, a veteran and a proven scorer in this league, and will be an excellent addition to our team."

Sam finished as Miami's all-time leader in 14 categories, including points (1,303), scoring average (13.7 ppg), field goals (518), three-point field goals (88), rebounds (424) and minutes played (3,077). She led the Sol in scoring in each of the team's first three seasons. In her four-year WNBA career, Sam has averaged 13.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.57 spg while starting 123 of 127 games. Originally drafted by Orlando in the second round (20th overall) of the 1999 WNBA Draft, Sam signed as a free agent with Miami on June 1, 2000.

Prior to joining the WNBA, Sam played three seasons (1997-98 - 1998-99) with the San Jose Lasers of the American Basketball League (ABL). Sam averaged 14.3 ppg and 6.2 rpg in three years and made back-to-back ABL All-Star appearances in 1997 and 1998.