Mystics Sign 6-4 Center Ngoyisa

May 19, 2003
Ngoyisa
Washington Mystics Senior Vice President of Mystics Business and Basketball Operations Judy Holland Burton today announced that the team has signed 6-4, 195 pound center Bernadette Ngoyisa.

“We were attracted to Ngoyisa’s size and ability as a post player,” said Holland Burton. “As we make our final decisions about the roster this week, we thought it was important to take a look at someone with her physical presence.”

Ngoyisa, who was waived from the New York Liberty last Thursday, May 15th, is expected to join the Mystics for this evening’s practice at Marymount University. During the 2002-03 off-season, Ngoyisa played in France for ESPVA Espoire Femnin. Last season, for the Liberty Ngoyisa averaged 1.7 mpg and .9 ppg in seven games. Ngoyisa signed as a free agent with the WNBA and was assigned to the New York Liberty on April 25, 2002. Ngoyisa hails from the Republic of Congo.

All teams must submit a final roster to the league by this Wednesday, May 21st. During the regular season, teams are allowed to carry 11 active players and two injured players at all times on its rosters. Currently, the Mystics have 14 players in training camp. The Mystics second round selection (21st overall) in the 2003 WNBA Draft, guard Zuzana Zirkova has yet to join camp due to overseas commitments.

The Mystics will open the 2003 regular season this Friday, May 23rd against the Charlotte Sting in Charlotte, NC at 7:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on WWRC AM 1260. The Mystics will play two more road games against the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty on May 31st and June 1st respectively before returning to MCI Center for its home opener on Friday, June 6th at 7:00 p.m. versus the Cleveland Rockers.