Boston, Mass. ? For the first time in school history, a San Jose State women’s basketball player has been selected in the WNBA draft, as former Spartan Lamisha Augustine was chosen with the 41st pick by the Sacramento Monarchs, the defending WNBA champions.
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“It means a lot,” said Augustine of her selection. “My dream as a little kid, was to play professionally, so it means a great deal. This hard work is paying off, and my dreams are coming true.”
“I’m really excited for her,” added San Jose State head coach Janice Richard. “I’m really excited for our basketball program here, too. Lamisha has done what all coaches want their players to do. She’s been here for five years. She’s earned a degree. She’s taken our program to new heights, and she’s opened the door for other players, and for other recruits.”
Augustine recently completed her San Jose State career as the program’s seventh-leading scorer with 1,226 career points. She is third all-time in blocked shots with 138, and set the school record this past season for blocked shots with 43. A two-time first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection, she scored in double figures in every game but two her senior year.
“The Sacramento Monarchs showed a lot of interest from the get-go,” remarked Augustine. “I worked out for them twice. They were looking for a player who could play defense, and who is long, rangy and tall, which I am. They also were looking for a player who could shoot the open-range shot. I think that I am capable of stepping in and doing all that for them.”
On how Augustine’s skills translate to the professional level, Richard said, “Lamisha’s a nice size, at 6-1. She’s long and rangy. She’s a great defender. She made the (Western Athletic Conference) “All-Defensive Team.” (The Sacramento Monarchs) wanted a perimeter defender. I felt like Lamisha was going to be a perfect fit for them. Any time you have a player who can create for herself, who can defend, and put the ball on the floor and take it to the basket, then I think they have a chance of playing at the next level.”
Augustine received high praise from ESPN analysts after she was drafted by the Monarchs.
“She is a proficient offensive rebounder,” said analyst Nancy Lieberman. “She must play defense and rebound for the Monarchs.” “Augustine is long and can play defense,” added Ann Myers.
Augustine will now travel to Sacramento, Calif., for the Monarchs’ camp. The defending WNBA champions open the season on Saturday, May 20, as the team hosts Phoenix at 1 p.m.