Natalie Williams - Finalist for All-Time Top WNBA Players List
June 22, 2011
Former UCLA women's basketball great Natalie Williams (1990-1994) was announced Tuesday as one of 30 finalists for the WNBA's Top 15 Players of all time. Fans can cast a vote for their Top 15 Players of all time once per day by going online to http://www.wnba.com/top15players starting Thursday, June 23 at noon ET and ending at midnight on July 14.
In celebration of its historic 15th season, the WNBA is honoring the most influential players since its inception in 1997. The nominees were selected by a panel comprised of media members and basketball experts, with consideration given to such factors as on-court performance and ability, leadership, sportsmanship and community service, as well as to contributions to team success and the overall growth of women's basketball.
Williams began her WNBA career as a member of the Utah Starzz from 1999-2002 and went on to play for the Indiana Fever from 2003-05. In 1999, she ranked first in the WNBA in rebounding and fourth in scoring. In the summer of 2000, she helped the U.S. win the gold medal at the Olympic Games. Williams, a two-time first-team All-America during her days with the Bruins, led the Pac-10 in rebounding in three seasons and twice led the conference in scoring.
Voting for the league's Top 15 Players of all time will be conducted among fans and select national and WNBA-market media, as well as current players and coaches. Fans are encouraged to vote by logging onto WNBA.com, which will highlight each of the 30 nominees, complete with biographical information and a photo gallery. In addition, the history section will serve as an informational resource for fans and media to browse through career statistical leaders, league milestones, previous award winners and more.
The WNBA's Top 15 Players will be unveiled and honored at the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game, where the San Antonio Silver Stars will host the midseason classic for the first time in franchise history. ABC will nationally broadcast the game on Saturday, July 23, at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT).
Among other season-long initiatives, the WNBA will offer fans a special opportunity to determine the Top 15 Moments in league history. That initiative, set to tip off in late July, will enable fans to rank - from No. 15 through No. 1 - the greatest games, plays, milestones, and inspirational moments in the history of the WNBA.
Below is a list of the 30 official nominees for the league's Top 15 Players of all time:Seimone Augustus, Sue Bird, Ruthie Bolton*, Swin Cash, Tamika Catchings, Cynthia Cooper*, Katie Douglas, Cheryl Ford, Yolanda Griffith*, Becky Hammon, Chamique Holdsclaw, Lauren Jackson, Shannon Johnson*, Lisa Leslie*, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Delisha Milton-Jones, Deanna Nolan, Candace Parker, Ticha Penicheiro, Cappie Pondexter, Nykesha Sales*, Katie Smith, Tangela Smith, Dawn Staley*, Sheryl Swoopes, Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor, Tina Thompson, Teresa Weatherspoon, Natalie Williams*
* = indicates Retired