Mercurys Nicole Ohlde to Miss 3-5 Weeks

Posted: May 18, 2009

Ohlde

The Phoenix Mercury today announced that forward/center Nicole Ohlde will miss 3-5 weeks with a fractured fourth metatarsal in her left foot. She sustained the injury during the last game of the season in Hungary, where she played during the offseason with Mercury teammate Kelly Mazzante. Ohlde will be present for Mercury training camp and will continue to train and rehabilitate until being released to play.

“We’ve got high expectations for Nicole this season,” said General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale. “Injuries are a part of this game and all we can hope for is a speedy recovery for her. Although it’s a slight setback, she’s come into Phoenix mentally prepared to play, and the team is excited to have her in a Mercury uniform as soon as she’s ready.”

“Obviously, I wish that I could have Nicole in training camp from day one,” said Head Coach Corey Gaines. “She’s a proven veteran, though, and I’m certain that she’ll pick up our system quickly and be a solid contributor as soon as she’s cleared.”

Originally drafted by Minnesota with the sixth overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, the 6-5 Ohlde enters her sixth season in the WNBA. She started 170 consecutive games for the Lynx in five seasons in Minnesota and owns career averages of 10.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 25.9 minutes per game. The Kansas State product graduated in 2004 as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,241 career points, and remains the only Wildcat, male or female, to record at least 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, 300 assists and 200 steals.