Missouri Sends Two to the WNBA
4/20/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
April 20, 2001
Columbia, Mo.-Missouri seniors Amanda Lassiter and Marlena Williams made history becoming the first WNBA draft picks in school history. After leading the Tigers to the Sweet Sixteen with a 22-10 season record, the athletes advance into professional play.
Lassiter was the 15th selection in the draft's first round going to the Houston Comets. The 6-1 forward from San Francisco, Calif., leaves Missouri holding MU records in season blocked shots (69), 3-point field goals made (65) and 3-point field goals attempted (187). She was selected to the 2001 Big 12 all-conference first team and was named to the Women's Basketball News Service AA fourth team.
Williams was chosen 35th as the Indiana Fever's third round selection. The 6-1 forward/center from Peoria, Ill., had a stand out season highlighting as MU's comeback spark. She ignited the Tigers against No. 25 ranked Wisconsin scoring 16 points in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and came back to score 19 points in MU's upset over No. 4 ranked Georgia in the second. She topped her season scoring a career-high 34 points against No. 24 Baylor.
