Lynx Select Five-Time Olympian Edwards in 2003 WNBA Draft

Edwards has won four Olympic gold medals. (NBA Photos)

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April 25, 2003 — The Lynx selected four-time gold-medal-winning Olympian point guard Teresa Edwards with the 14th pick in the 2003 WNBA Draft. The Lynx also drafted two centers, New Mexico's Jordan Adams and Drake's Carla Bennett.

Edwards, the first and only American basketball player (male or female) to compete in five Olympics, won gold medals in 2000, 1996, 1988 and 1984. Edwards tops USA Olympic career records in assists (143, 4.5 apg), steals (59, 1.84 spg) and games played (32). She also ranks second all-time in points (265, 8.3 ppg) and fourth in rebounds (68, 2.1 rpg). Edwards teamed with Lynx head coach Suzie McConnell Serio on the 1988 and 1992 U.S. Olympic teams, and played with Lynx forward Katie Smith on the 2000 Olympic Team.

"Teresa Edwards, is in my opinion, the best guard to play the game," said McConnell Serio. "I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to coach her. I believe she will make an immediate impact and will be a tremendous leader, which is something we need."

"I'm definitely playing with the Lynx this year, and I'm looking forward to it," said Edwards. "I'm really excited about playing for Suzie, and I can't wait to join the rest of my Lynx teammates in training camp. I'm very comfortable with Suzie and I can't wait to get on the court and play."

Edwards, 38, played three seasons (1996-97 through 1998-99) in the American Basketball League (ABL) with the Atlanta Glory and the Philadelphia Rage. In 98 career games, she averaged 20.8 ppg, 6.4 apg and 2.57 spg, and was twice named to the All-ABL First Team (1997 and 1998). Edwards was the lone ABL player to score 40 points in a game, and recorded 40+ points four times in two-plus seasons. Prior to the ABL ceasing operations in 1998, Edwards ranked first in scoring (21.0 ppg) and fourth in assists (5.6 apg).

Along with the ABL, Edwards' professional playing experience includes stints in Italy (1987, 1988), Japan (1989-93), Spain (1994) and France (1994).

Edwards, a 1986 graduate of the University of Georgia, averaged 15.5 ppg and 5.1 apg in 128 collegiate contests. During her four seasons, Edwards participated in four NCAA Tournaments and reached the NCAA Final Four on two occasions (1985, 1983).

Adams

The Lynx drafted 6-3 center Jordan Adams from New Mexico with their second selection in the second round (18th overall). Adams averaged 16.0 ppg and 6.6 rpg in 33 contests during her senior season, and earned First Team All-Mountain West Conference in 2003. In 127 career games, she averaged 14.1 ppg and 5.7 rpg, while setting New Mexico's all-time record (male or female) for blocked shots with 344.

Bennett

With the team's third-round selection, Minnesota selected 6-3 center Carla Bennett from Drake. Bennett, an All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team honoree four consecutive seasons (2003, 2002, 2001, 2000), averaged 16.0 ppg, and 8.1 rpg while shooting .576 from the field. She led the MVC in blocked shots as a junior (1.9) and senior (2.3).

"Depth in the post is something we were looking for," said McConnell Serio. "Jordan Adams and Carla Bennett will have an opportunity to compete for a position on this team. Both are very talented, versatile players, and I'm excited about the opportunity to work with them."

The Lynx open training camp on Thursday, May 1 at Target Center.