University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Nirra Fields Drafted by Phoenix
April 15, 2016 | Women's Basketball
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LOS ANGELES -- Senior guard Nirra Fields was drafted as the 32nd pick overall and in the third round of the 2016 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night.
Fields became the first UCLA player since Lindsey Pluimer in 2008 (2nd round by Washington Mystics) to be drafted by the WNBA. She is the ninth Bruin to become a WNBA Draft pick.
"I'm very excited right now," Fields said. "I'm very blessed and appreciative of this opportunity. It is something I have dreamed about and worked extremely hard for and I'm so happy. I know that I have work to do and I'm excited about the challenge ahead in the next chapter of my life. I am very thankful for UCLA and everyone that has had a hand in helping me along the way."
Fields is the fourth-leading scorer in UCLA history with 1,867 career points. This past season, the three-time All-Pac-12 selection was second on the team in scoring at 15.3 points per game. She also averaged 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game.
"I couldn't be more excited than I am right now," UCLA Head Coach Cori Close said. "I know how hard she has worked here at UCLA and with Team Canada and I'm happy to see that hard work be rewarded. She will continue to grow and get better and her Bruin family couldn't be more proud."
