Texas Tech University Athletics
Pierson Selected Fourth Overall in the WNBA Draft
April 25, 2003 | Women's Basketball
April 25, 2003
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech forward Plenette Pierson was the fourth overall pick of the 2003 WNBA Draft today by the Phoenix Mercury. It also marked the highest selection for Texas Tech since the formation of the WNBA draft.
Pierson, who was a third team All-American by the Associated Press and honorable mention Kodak All-America, led Texas Tech in scoring (17.8) and rebounding (8.1) this season. The first team All-Big 12 selection, started all 35 games in 2002-03 for the Lady Raiders and scored in double figures in 29 of those games. Pierson also recorded eight double-doubles this year. She was a Naismith Player of the Year finalist and named second team Senior CLASS All-America, while being named to the NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament team and to the Phillips 66 Big 12 All-Tournament team.
"I am very excited and I'm just glad the time came for me to get to the next level and obtain a goal I have had for a long time," said Pierson. "I was surprised I was picked so soon but I am really glad that Phoenix picked me. I am ready to go to Phoenix and hope to make an impact on the team."
Pierson concluded her career at Texas Tech ranking fifth on Tech's all-time scoring list with 1,602 points. On other career lists, she ranks third in free throw attempts (644), fourth in free throws made (398), seventh in rebounding (787), eighth in field goals made (602) and eighth in field goal attempts (1,203).
"I am really excited for Plenette and it is well deserved," said Texas Tech head coach Marsha Sharp. "She has proven that she has the ability and determination to play in the WNBA. She has been a big part of our program and I look forward to seeing her play at the next level."
Pierson, a native of Kingwood, Texas, was the fourth overall pick following LaToya Thomas (Mississippi State) who was the No. 1 overall draft pick selected by the Cleveland Rockers; Chantelle Anderson (Vanderbilt) was the second selection by the Sacramento Monarchs and Cheryl Ford (Louisiana Tech) was the third pick by the Detroit Shock. Kara Lawson (Tennessee) rounds out the top five in the fifth spot, as she was selected by the Detroit Shock.
