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A formidable foe for any opponent is on her way back to California as former California Golden Bear Kristine Anigwe was traded from the Dallas Wings to the Los Angeles Sparks in a WNBA blockbuster.
Anigwe and a third-round pick were sent to LA for a second-round pick and Marina Mabrey. Of course, we all remember that Anigwe was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. The LA Sparks stated how excited they were to bring her back out west.
“We’re excited to add Kristine Anigwe to our organization,” Managing Partner Eric Holoman said. “She is a talented young player who showed tremendous leadership in college and who fits with the identity of our team.”
Head coach of the Sparks, and longtime NBA star Derek Fisher added more about how Anigwe’s athleticism should benefit their rotation.
“Kristine Anigwe is a versatile, two-way post player who will provide additional athleticism and rebounding to our frontcourt rotation,” Head Coach Derek Fisher added. “She was an efficient and prolific scorer at the collegiate level, and our coaching staff is looking forward to working with her.”
Though she averaged just 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in her rookie season a year ago, she was stuck in a rotational role with the Wings and saw limited minutes. She was traded from Connecticut to Dallas and as such, LA marks her third team in less than two seasons as a pro.
She joins a star-studded cast of players on the Sparks who she said she’s always looked up to.
“I’m really excited to join the Sparks organization,” Anigwe said. “I look forward to competing for a championship and filling any role asked of me. I can’t wait to play alongside teammates who have been role models throughout my basketball career.”
The 2019 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year in her final season at Cal, Anigwe averaged a double-double with ease in her final season as a Golden Bear. She topped the charts at 22.5 points and 16.2 rebounds per game as she led the Bears into the tournament and dominated action on both sides of the court.
Welcome back to California, Kristine!