November 16, 2005
The WNBA today announced that the Chicago Sky has selected Minnesota Lynx forward Stacey Lovelace in the 2005 WNBA Expansion Draft.

“Even though we knew going into the draft that one of our players would be selected, it’s still disappointing to lose Stacey because she was such a big contributor to our team,” said Lynx Head Coach Suzie McConnell Serio. “We are sorry to see her go, but wish her the best of luck in Chicago.”

Lovelace, a four-year WNBA veteran, played the previous two seasons with the Lynx after signing as a free agent prior to the 2004 WNBA campaign. In her two seasons in Minnesota, she averaged 4.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 14.4 minutes per game in 68 contests. She has career averages of 4.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 113 career WNBA games (Minnesota and Seattle).

Lovelace is the third Lynx player to be chosen in a WNBA expansion draft. The Seattle Storm selected Lynx players Angela Aycock (third round, 10th overall) and Charmin Smith (sixth round, 23rd overall) in the 2000 WNBA Expansion Draft.

The Chicago Sky, the newest WNBA franchise, which joins the league in 2006, had the right to acquire one player from each of the 13 WNBA teams. Each team had designated a maximum of six players who would not be available for selection in the expansion draft.

The Lynx roster now stands at 12 players. Minnesota holds the first and seventh overall picks in the 2006 WNBA Draft. The Lynx acquired the top pick in the draft by winning the WNBA Draft Lottery that was held on Oct. 24. The 2006 WNBA Draft will be held in April in New York City.