For the first time since 2013, the Sky are sending three players to the All-Star Game.
Guards Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley and Diamond DeShields were voted by coaches to be three of the 12 reserves for the All-Star game July 27 in Las Vegas, the WNBA announced on Twitter Monday afternoon.
This is Quigley’s third consecutive All-Star nod. Meanwhile, it’s DeShields’ first honor and Vandersloot’s second.
Joining Quigley, Vandersloot and DeShields in the backcourt as reserves are guards Odyssey Sims (Lynx), Kristi Toliver (Mystics) and Erica Wheeler (Fever). Meanwhile, the frontcourt reserves are DeWanna Bonner (Mercury), Sylvia Fowles (Lynx), Nneka Ogwumike (Sparks) and Alyssa Thomas (Sun).
Quigley, Vandersloot and DeShields are more than deserving of the All-Star recognition. The trio has been essential to the Sky’s first half success this season.
Though Quigley is averaging 2.5 points per game less than last season, she’s shooting 48.4 percent from three-point range. She’s also made a league-most 45 threes this season.
Quigley, who’s reached double digits in scoring in 11 of the Sky’s last 12 games, will likely defend her title as two-time defending champion of the three-point contest during the skill competition July 26.
Vandersloot is currently the best point guard in the WNBA. Her ability to see the floor and be crafty with the ball is unmatched. She currently leads the league in assists, averaging 8.2 per game. And she recently moved to seventh on the WNBA’s all-time assist leaderboard.
It’s a surprise that this is only her second All-Star recognition in the last nine seasons, Sky owner Michael Alter said.
“She has understated abilities,” Alter said. “Courtney doesn’t have that vocal swagger about her and folks underestimate her.
“But [Vandersloot’s] just a dominant player for a point guard. When she has the ball, she makes everything happen. She makes everyone on her team better, she sets the pace.”
DeShields, a fan favorite, seemed like an obvious choice to be an All-Star. The confident and flashy second-year guard is one of the most athletic players in the league and has been one of the most disruptive players this season.
DeShields, who was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team last season, hit five three-pointers and scored a season-high 26 points in the Sky’s 89-79 win over the Wings on Sunday. Her ability to take over a game is impressive, but her efficiency on offense is still a work in progress.
The well-representation of the Sky at this year’s All-Star game is a surefire sign that coach James Wade is turning the tide for the Sky.
The Sky are 9-8 and seventh in playoff standings. At this point last season, they were 7-15 and seemed destine for a lottery pick.
The news of the reserves comes four days after the WNBA announced its list of the 10 starters, which was headlined by Mystics star Elena Delle Donne and Aces forward A’ja Wilson who will serve as captains for the All-Star Game after they won the fan vote.
The All-Star draft date has not yet been announced.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
