Sanni Second Round WNBA Pick

West Virginia University senior center Olayinka Sanni was drafted today by the Detroit Shock with the 18th overall pick, fourth in the second round, of the 2008 WNBA Draft. Shock camp begins next Wednesday, April 16, in Detroit.

“I’m speechless and excited,” Sanni said. “It’s breathtaking and I’m shocked. All the hard work that I’ve put in during my career has paid off. I’m excited about my future professional opportunity but know I have a lot of hard work ahead of me to make the Shock’s roster.”

“We’re excited for Yinka,” WVU coach Mike Carey said. “It’s well-deserved. She’s worked very hard here during her four years here at WVU. I’m very proud of her and there’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll be successful at the next level.”

A Chicago Heights, Ill., native, Sanni became the third former Mountaineer to be drafted by the league and first since Yolanda Paige (2002-05) was selected in the 2005 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever with the 16th overall pick. Kate Bulger (2001-04) was the first Mountaineer drafted by the league’s Minnesota Lynx in 2004. Yelena Leuchanka (2005-06) has played in the WNBA for two seasons, joining the league as a free agent in 2005. She is currently on the Atlanta Dream’s roster.

“I’ve been here seven years, and this will be the fourth player we’ve had go to the WNBA.” Carey added. “It speaks volumes for our program and the type of athlete we’re bringing to West Virginia University.”

Sanni was also recently named as an Associated Press and State Farm Coaches’ Honorable Mention All-American.

Sanni, WVU’s first-ever two-time all-Big East first team performer, led the Mountaineers this season with 16.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. She finished her career with 1,602 career points, seventh all-time in school history, and grabbed 774 rebounds, 234 which came this past season. Sanni finished her career as WVU’s single game, single season and career field goal percentage leader.