LOS ANGELES, CA — Wednesday afternoon the Los Angeles Sparks introduced their newest rookie Rae Burrell to the Los Angeles media, getting her first taste of the bright camera lights of Southern California. Now all eyes will be on her, being apart of the legendary franchise with a current roster that includes Nneka Oguwmike and recently acquired free agent center Liz Cambage.
“I’m really excited to be drafted to the L.A. Sparks and be apart of a such a great city, and they’re three time WNBA champions,” Burrell said in her opening statement. “I’m really excited to be close to home and play for this city.”
The Las Vegas born and raised guard feels that the same grit and grind attitude she developed and had at the University of Tennessee can be transferred while playing for the Sparks this season seeing that as an asset. Burrell also mentioned that teammate Nneka Ogwumike has already confirmed that she does not mind rookies staying after practice to pick her brain in order to improve their game.
“Wanting to get up shots with them, I like to hang with my teammates so maybe hanging out with them outside of the court like getting something to get some food with them if they’re down,” Burrell said regarding building team chemistry. “I think I’ll be able to bring solid offense and defense to help with them, and (as) I mentioned earlier my versatility just I’m a long guard and I can use that to my advantage.”
She also watched and modeled her game after such NBA greats as Kevin Durant and the late Kobe Bryant.
Burrell is a fresh aroma of energy that this Sparks team will need to be as competitive as possible in order to be successful on offense, defense and the ability to push the ball at their pace against some very tough opponents in the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Sparks also selected Kianna Smith, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, and Amy Atwell. L.A. begins Training Camp in April.
*Nick Hamilton also contributed to this story.
