Detroit's Ford Named Rookie of the Year
Cheryl Ford shares her award with the Shock fans. Allen Einstein WNBAE/Getty Images |
Ford became only the sixth player, and first rookie, in WNBA history to average a double-double -- 10.8 points and 10.4 rebounds -- for a season. Ford ranked second in the entire WNBA in rebound average, first in double-doubles (15), ninth in field goal percentage (47.4) and 12th in blocked shots (0.97).
Among rookies, Ford was second in scoring; first in rebounding, field goal percentage, minutes played (29.9), and blocked shots; and second in steals (1.00).
In addition to her individual accomplishments, Ford helped lead the Shock to the best record in the WNBA at 25-9 following a 9-23 campaign in 2002. The Shock set Eastern Conference single-season records for winning percentage and wins in 2003, while becoming the first Eastern Conference team to earn home-court advantage throughout the playoffs since the Houston Comets boasted the WNBA's best record in 1997. Detroit's 16-win improvement from 2002 to 2003 also set a WNBA record.
As the WNBA Rookie of the Year, Ford will receive a Tiffany-designed trophy and $5,000. The 54-member voting panel consisted of 12 national media representatives, as well as media representatives from each of the league's 14 markets who cover the WNBA regularly.
VOTES� | PLAYER | TEAM |
49 | Cheryl Ford | Detroit Shock |
2 | LaToya Thomas� | Cleveland Rockers |
2 | Gwen Jackson | San Antonio Silver Stars |
1 | Kara Lawson | Sacramento Monarchs |
YEAR� | PLAYER | TEAM |
2003 | Cheryl Ford | Detroit Shock |
2002 | Tamika Catchings | Indiana Fever |
2001 | Jackie Stiles | Portland Fire |
2000 | Betty Lennox | Minnesota Lynx |
1999 | Chamique Holdsclaw� | Washington Mystics |
1998 | Tracy Reid | Charlotte Sting |