The NY Liberty have selected Rutgers center Kia Vanughn in the 2009 WNBA Draft!
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Article courtesy of by M.A. Mehta/The Star-Ledger at http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/04/new_york_liberty_select_former.html
Kia Vaughn was bouncing all over the place in heels with a trademark smile that let everyone know how downright giddy she was to be staying home.
The former Rutgers center was the eighth overall pick by the New York Liberty at the WNBA Draft at NBA Entertainment studios in Secaucus yesterday.
Vaughn, a native of the Bronx, was selected by her hometown team amid rumors that the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx might grab the athletic 6-4 post player.
"I was just excited to play anywhere and play for anyone," Vaughn said. "It was a dream to play here, but I had to face reality that anything was possible and anything could happen. But now my dream has come true."
Vaughn will re-united with former Rutgers teammate Essence Carson, who was the Liberty's top pick last season. The Liberty, like most teams, was intrigued by Vaughn's athleticism and her polished defensive skills.
Vaughn, the Scarlet Knights' all-time leader in games played (135), is one of just four players in program history to top 1,000 points and rebounds. She finished as Rutgers' second all-time leading rebounder and shot blocker.
"She brings size, athleticism and toughness that you need to have in this league to win it all," said Liberty head coach Patty Coyle, a Rutgers alum. "When you get a Rutgers player, they're tough, they understand how to win, and I think they're ready to play at the next level."
WNBA general managers were also drawn to Vaughn's pro-ready physique and untapped offensive potential. Vaughn, who averaged 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds as a senior, shot nearly 56 percent for her career.
"She's going to take New York by storm," said Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer, who was in attendance. "She has the potential to be one of the best -- if not the best -- center in the country. There is nothing that she can't do and nothing that she can't imagine. There's no amount of work that she won't do."
Stringer admitted there wasn't a ceiling to Vaughn's capabilities at the next level.
"She desires to be so good," Stringer said. "She's not lazy. She's a hard worker... In two years, she'll dominate everything. Because she'll grow. She's not going to be satisfied with anything other than that."
Vaughn's entry into the professional ranks came after a roller-coaster season that included a benching midway through the year. She overcame a disappointing couple months by fueling Rutgers' late-season run to the NCAA tournament.
"I've gotten through it," Vaughn said of her uneven senior season. "I believe that now I can get through anything in life."
Vaughn, who will earn $41,574 in the first of a three-year deal with a team option in the fourth year, could make an immediate impact for a playoff team that finished 19-15 last season.
"I can even imagine it," said Vaughn's mother, Aja Ellington. "It's beautiful. ... She's tough. She's strong. And she never gives up."
In the post-selection celebration, it was hard to tell whether Vaughn or Stringer - who now has two former players close to home -- was happier.
"These guys are hard workers and they're winners," Stringer said. "Sometimes you have to hear about that on the other coast. They're right there in New York. I think I'll be going to New York every week."
Vaughn admitted she couldn't wait for the Liberty's season opener on June 7.
"This is a big leap. And it's my life now," Vaughn said. "I'm definitely ready."
NOTES: Angel McCoughtry of Louisville was the top overall pick by the Atlanta Dream... The Liberty selected Duke guard Abby Waner with their second-round pick (21st overall).
