Seattle Storm signs Nneka Enemkpali and Blake Dietrick
The Seattle Storm signed 2015 WNBA Draft selection Nneka Enemkpali and former Princeton guard Blake Dietrick. Enemkpali, a 6-1 forward, was drafted by Seattle in the third round (26th overall) of the 2015 WNBA Draft but sat out the season while recovering from a knee injury suffered during her senior season at the University of Texas.
From the Storm:
“We were impressed with Nneka leading up to the WNBA Draft last year,” said Storm president and general manager Alisha Valavanis. “She is working hard in preparation to compete at the next level and we are excited to get her to Seattle.”
At the time of her senior season injury, Jan. 19, 2015, Enemkpali was leading the Big 12 in rebounds, (10.6 per game) and double-doubles, (9). Despite the early end to her collegiate career, Enemkpali finished at Texas ranked ninth all-time in the Longhorns record book in total rebounds, (899) and 30th in points, (1,116).
The Pflugerville, Texas native was a Wooden Award pre-season top-30 and mid-season top 30 selection in 2014-15. She was named to the All-Big 12 team following her junior season.
Dietrick, a 5-10 guard, is currently playing for Cestistica Orvieto in Italy, averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
“We had our eye on Blake since watching her lead Princeton on their historic NCAA run last year,” said Storm head coach Jenny Boucek. “Throughout her career, she has shown leadership and competitiveness. We are excited to see how her overseas experience will translate to the WNBA.”
A 2015 graduate of Princeton, Dietrick was named the 2014-15 Ivy League Player of the Year. She led the Ivy League in assists her senior season, (4.9 per game) while setting the Tigers single-season assists record with 157. She was named to the Associated Press and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Honorable Mention at the conclusion of her senior campaign.
A native of Wellesley, Mass., Dietrick signed a 2015 training camp contract with the Washington Mystics following the 2015 WNBA Draft, but waived on June 1, 2015. She followed with a short stint at the Los Angeles Sparks’ training camp.
Seattle opens its 2016 WNBA home slate at KeyArena on Sunday, May 22 vs. defending WNBA Champions Minnesota Lynx.
