Simpson Gets WNBA Shot
April 9, 2010 | Women's Basketball
April 9, 2010
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois senior forward Lacey Simpson (Zion, Ill.) has accepted an invitation to attend training camp with the WNBA's San Antonio Silver Stars later this month. Simpson went undrafted during Thursday's WNBA draft, but will still get her shot at making a roster with the Silver Stars.
"I was in shock when I got the call yesterday," Simpson said of the opportunity. "Of course I was hoping to hear my name called during the draft, but I wasn't expecting anything. Getting this tryout is basically the same opportunity as getting drafted late, so I was thrilled when I got word I'd be heading to San Antonio. I'll still get the chance to show I belong on a roster, which is a chance I feel blessed to have. I know that making the team might be a long shot, but I've overcome many obstacles throughout my career, so I think I'm ready for one more."
Simpson will be remembered by Illini fans as one of the most complete and versatile players in school history. She was a two-time third team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection. In 2009-10 she led the Big Ten in steals for the second straight year, averaging 3.3 thefts per game, a total that ranked seventh in the nation. She finished her career with 368 steals, which ranks second on the Big Ten's all-time steals list and shattered the former Illinois career record by 116. Simpson also finished her career as the Illinois all-time games played leader and ranks in the UI career top five in blocks (2nd), assists (3rd) and rebounds (4th), while also ranking 17th on the Illinois career scoring list with 1,166 points.
Simpson's teammate, Jenna Smith, was the 14th overall selection in Thursday's draft by the Washington Mystics.
