The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Raven selected No. 33 in WNBA Draft by Atlanta
04.08.2010 | Women's Basketball
April 8, 2010
SECAUCUS, N.J. -- University of Texas senior guard Brittainey Raven was selected as the No. 33 pick by the Atlanta Dream in the third round of the 2010 WNBA Draft on Thursday afternoon. Raven becomes the ninth player in Texas Women's Basketball history to be drafted in the WNBA since the league's inception in 1997.
"To hear my name called to play in the WNBA is a dream come true," Raven said. "I've worked for this moment my entire life, and I'm grateful and honored to have the opportunity to take my game to the next level with the Atlanta Dream."
Raven, a three-time All-Big 12 Second Team honoree, led the Longhorns in scoring the past three seasons. She contributed 1,698 points in her four-year career as a starting guard, a mark that stands as the 12th-best scoring total in school history. Raven's 133 games played tied her for the seventh-most in UT's annals, while her 384 career free throws made rank fifth all-time and her 124 career 3-pointers rank seventh. She averaged 14.6 ppg for Texas last season and also contributed 4.9 rpg and 2.6 apg.
"Brittainey is so athletic, and this is a league that depends on speed and quickness which are two of her specialties," Atlanta Dream head coach Marynell Meadors said. "She not only plays offense and runs the floor, but she has a very good mind for the game of basketball. Brittainey will fit in very well with the Atlanta Dream."
Raven joins Atlanta's first two draft picks - 6-5 forward Chanel Mokango from Mississippi State, taken in the first round (ninth overall) and Georgia Tech 6-2 forward Brigitte Ardossi (second round pick, 21st overall).
"The entire Texas family is so proud of Brittainey," Texas head coach Gail Goestenkors said. "She has worked hard her entire career, and we're elated that she has another opportunity to continue her playing career. We have no doubts that she'll bring great energy and athleticism to the Atlanta franchise."
"Coach G and the entire Texas staff have helped me to prepare for this moment and to take the next step in my playing career. They have pushed me to new limits, and I am very thankful for their impact in both my life and my game," Raven added.
The Atlanta Dream tips off its third season this summer at Philips Arena, with the home opener slated for Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. Central against the Indiana Fever.
