For the first time since 2015, two Sky players received All-WNBA team honors.
Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot was selected to the 2019 All-WNBA First Team, while guard Diamond DeShields was named to the All-WNBA Second Team, the league announced Sunday during halftime of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals.
Vandersloot’s third career All-WNBA selection — she was named to the Second Team in 2015 and 2018 — comes after an All-Star season in which she broke two of her own records. Vandersloot averaged a record-setting 9.1 assists per game this season and became the first WNBA player to reach 300 assists in a single season.
“We are so excited for Sloot to be able to realize a lifelong dream of hers, and for her to be considered one of the best players in the world,” coach James Wade said in a statement. “For her to be recognized in this way, and to be an All-Star on top of that, we thought it was a great year for her.”
Meanwhile, this is DeShields’ first All-WNBA nod in her young career.
DeShields took her game to the next level this season. The 2018 third overall pick led the Sky in scoring this season, averaging 16.2 points on 39.9 percent shooting.
“All of the things that she’s accomplished since her rookie year ... this is just icing on the cake,” Wade said. “We are thrilled for the years to come, to continue to see her growth and build on this successful campaign.”
Joining Vandersloot on All-WNBA First Team are league MVP and Mystics star Elena Delle Donne — who was the only player to be unanimously selected to the First Team — Mercury center Brittney Griner, Sparks guard Chelsea Gray and Storm forward Natasha Howard.
Meanwhile, the Second Team consisted of Sun forward Jonquel Jones, Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, Aces center Liz Cambage and Lynx guard Odyssey Sims.
DeShields was honored to be included with some of the best WNBA players.
“This league is full of incredibly talented players so I’m just happy to be recognized as one of them,” she said. “Looking forward to the future.”
