April 14, 2014
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky women’s basketball senior forward DeNesha Stallworth was the 25th overall selection in the 2014 Women’s National Basketball Association Draft as she was chosen by the Connecticut Sun in the third round on Monday night in Montville, Conn.
Stallworth was one of five players from the Southeastern Conference selected on Monday night, joining Vanderbilt’s Christina Foggie, Tennessee’s Meighan Simmons, LSU’s Theresa Plaisance and Missouri’s Bri Kulas. With the selection, Stallworth becomes the fourth Wildcat to be drafted in the WNBA and third in the last four years. Former All-Americans A’dia Mathies (10th overall pick in 2013) and Victoria Dunlap (11th overall pick in 2011) join Shantia Owens (53rd overall pick in 2000) as the other UK Hoops draftees.
“I am so happy that DeNesha has an opportunity in the WNBA,” said Kentucky head coach Matthew Mitchell. “The Connecticut Sun franchise made a great selection. DeNesha is an extremely talented player and she is excited to embark on her professional career. We are so grateful to DeNesha for her contributions to our program. She is a part of our Kentucky family forever and we will support her pursuit of a WNBA career.”
A native of Richmond, Calif., Stallworth led the team in field goal percentage (.524), field goals made (151) and steals (44), while ranking second in scoring (12.5), rebounding (6.9) and blocked shots (35). Stallworth scored in double-figures 21 times this season, including nine straight to end the season. Stallworth earned multiple honors throughout her senior campaign including, WBCA Region 3 All-America Team, SEC All-Tournament Team, All-SEC Second Team by the league’s coaches and All-SEC honorable mention by the Associated Press.
Stallworth finished her career with 1,740 career points (812 at UK) and 871 rebounds (417 at UK). She ranks ninth on Kentucky’s all-time double-doubles list with 15. The 6-foot-3 forward is part of a senior class that finished with a record of 109-31, which ranks second all-time in program history.
Follow UK Hoops on Twitter and Instagram at @UKHoopCats and on Facebook by liking University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball.
