SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Silver Stars have signed guard Becky Hammon to a contract extension that will keep the all-star in the Alamo City through 2011, Head Coach and General Manager Dan Hughes announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal have not been released.
One of the most popular players in the WNBA, Hammon finished second in the 2007 season MVP voting and earned the second-most all-star fan votes en route to becoming just the second player in league history to earn a starting nod for both the East and West All-Star squads. Following the season, the San Antonio Express-News named Hammon its Sportswoman of the Year, inspiring a 2008 season ticket package and a Becky Hammon bobblehead.
“We are thrilled to have Becky as part of the Silver Stars family for several years,” said Hughes. “With her arrival in San Antonio, she brought a presence to the team on and off the court that has allowed us to grow into an organization that our fans are very excited about for the future. Her career has been about overcoming obstacles and leading her teams to their potential. It is a pleasure to have one of the best players ever in women’s basketball work her craft in San Antonio for the coming years.”
Hammon spent eight seasons with the New York Liberty, before a draft-day trade sent her to San Antonio last April. She quickly became a team leader and fan favorite, finishing the season averaging 18.8 points and 5.0 assists per game and earning first-team All-WNBA honors. She helped guide the Silver Stars to the Western Conference Finals, marking the franchise’s first playoff appearance since moving to San Antonio in 2003.
“We really started something special here in San Antonio last season,” said Hammon. “The city and fans came out and supported us and made the AT&T Center feel like home. I’m excited about building on that momentum in 2008 and can’t wait to be back in the Silver and Black this May.”
Hammon also claimed the Dribble, Dish and Swish skills challenge title at the WNBA All-Star game in Washington, D.C. In February, she teamed up with Spurs All-Star Tim Duncan and Spurs legend David Robinson to win the Haier Shooting Stars competition at the 2008 NBA All-Star game in New Orleans. Earlier in the day, she shattered the Guinness World Record for Most Free Throws Made in a Minute (women’s category) by sinking 38 of 42 attempts in the allotted time.
Throughout her nine-year career, Hammon has averaged 11.3 points and 2.8 assists per game. The four-time all-star also claimed the 2007 Peak Performer award for leading the league in assists with 5.0 per game.
The Silver Stars open the 2008 season on the road at Sacramento May 17 before hosting the defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury on May 20. Affordable full and partial season ticket plans are on sale now. Visit www.sasilverstars.com or call (210) 444.5090 for more information.
