Sparks acquire guard Kristi Toliver in exchange for 2011 second round draft pick

The Sparks front office released this announcement yesterday:

The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired the rights to guard Kristi Toliver, it was announced today by Sparks Vice President/General Manager Penny Toler. In a deal with the Chicago Sky, the Sparks traded their 2011 second round draft pick for the rights to Toliver.

Toliver was selected third overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2009 WNBA Draft. In her rookie season she played in 27 games off the bench and averaged 7.6 points, 1.9 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game.

"We are thrilled because yet another exciting and talented player is joining our team" said Sparks Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler. "Kristi is a dynamic player and we’re happy she is joining the Sparks family."

In 2009, Toliver led all rookies and was second overall in the WNBA in three-point shooting at 44.4 percent. She also ranked 8th among all rookies in assists and had a breakout game on August 28th when she scored a career-best 25 points in a win against the New York Liberty.

“I am very happy about having Kristi join our the team," said Sparks Head Coach Jennifer Gillom. “We are adding a remarkable guard with a lot of versatility to an already great roster. It’s a blessing to be able to add this caliber of guard to your team; she is a combo guard who will be able to complement our existing squad.”

During her stand-out career at Maryland, Toliver was honored as a Preseason Wade Trophy Candidate and a Midseason Naismith Award Candidate. She was also named to the AP All-American 2nd Team, the Sports Illustrated All-American 2nd Team, and First Team All-ACC.She was awarded the Nancy Lieberman Award twice being the first ‘Terp to do so, and was named the WNIT Most Valuable Player. She finished her collegiate career as the 25th player in school history to score 1,000 points, ranking 11th with 1,433 points, and holds the school’s record for career free throw percentage with .870 and three point field goals made with 209.