By James Brown
08/05/2023, 08:31 PM
"We are thrilled to add Zia to a growing list of quality players on and off the court," said Sparks CAO and GM Karen Bryant. "In evaluating Zia, there are so many aspects of her game coupled with intangibles that made her an obvious choice with the 10th pick."
The 5-9, Toledo native played in 137 games (all starts) for the Gamecocks, holding averages of 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 steals. The Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year shot 39.0 percent from the field, including 34.0% from beyond the arc. She finished her college career fifth in school history in three-point field goals (196) and eighth in school history in points (1,845). Cooke is the first player from South Carolina that has been drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks.
"Zia is a winner and a national champion," said Miller. "She was the best two-way player available and can impact the game at both the offensive and defensive ends. She is an outstanding scorer at multiple levels and showed the ability to be a defensive stopper for the Gamecocks."
In the second round, with the 14th overall pick the Sparks selected Shaneice Swain out of Australia. "A priority for us in this draft was to acquire young players that we could develop in our system," said Bryant. "Our staff was really impressed with Shaneice's skillset, and we think her upside is high."
01/03/2024
01/03/2024
01/03/2024
01/03/2024
01/03/2024
01/03/2024
01/03/2024
01/03/2024
01/03/2024
29/02/2024
29/02/2024
29/02/2024
29/02/2024
29/02/2024
29/02/2024
29/02/2024
29/02/2024
29/02/2024