The Chicago Sky acquired a seasoned center from the Atlanta Dream in a three-team trade on July 27. Erika de Souza started in 15 of the Sky’s latter 17 games and averaged 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Only one day after the trade, de Souza was ready to battle with her new team. She posted four points, four rebounds and a single block in the July 28 matchup at Phoenix. Her top game in a Sky uniform was on August 14 when de Souza posted 13 points and nine rebounds to help Chicago defeat Seattle 94-84 on the road. On August 29 she neared a double-double with 12 points and seven rebounds.
“She’s a quality player with experience, a player that has size and gets rebounds and defends and runs the floor,” Chicago Sky General Manager and Head Coach Pokey Chatman said. “She gives us a presence in the middle.
The three-time WNBA All-Star ended the season with the highest field goal percentage on the team (.484) and as the Sky’s third-leading rebounder (5.5 rpg). Among all WNBA centers, de Souza ranked seventh in rebounds per game (6.5) over the 2015 season.
By the end of the season, the 10-year veteran had inched her way up on several WNBA All-Time charts. She is No. 14 in total blocks (338), No. 16 in career rebounds per game (7.3), No. 17 in career blocks per game (1.2) and No. 19 in total rebounds (1989).
The Sky opens its 11th season on Saturday, May 14 against the Connecticut Sun. Call 866.SKY.WNBA or visit CHICAGOSKY.NET to purchase tickets.