The Chicago Sky announced that guard Jamierra Faulkner and forward/center Adut Bulgak (Uh-DOOT Bull-GACK) have re-signed with the franchise.
Faulkner returns to the team after missing the entire 2017 season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee, an injury she sustained while playing overseas in Poland the month before the 2017 WNBA season was set to begin. The 26-year-old guard underwent surgery and has since made a full recovery.
“Jamierra is looking to bounce back from her injury and prove herself to the world and we are going to provide her the stage to do that,” Sky general manager and head coach Amber Stocks said. “She is healthy again and her training is going great. Jamierra was with us everyday last season, in the midst of all that we were doing, so she knows the system. She and I are going to continue with the strong relationship and chemistry we’ve already built with one another, and that’s very important as a point guard. I completely trust her and believe in her abilities.”
During the 2016 WNBA season with Chicago, Faulkner averaged 7.8 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. She joined the Sky when she was selected by the team with the 34th overall pick of the 2014 WNBA Draft.
“Signing back with the Sky is truly a blessing,” Faulkner said. “Being wanted after such an intense injury shows that the staff really believes in me and loves my game. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and ready to get to work. I can’t wait to be back on the court with my old teammates to see the new talent we’ll bring in as well as being back on the court with my old teammates.”
Bulgak, a 6-foot-4 forward/center from Florida State University, signed with the Chicago Sky during the 2017 season. She first entered the WNBA in 2016 as a first-round draft pick by the New York Liberty.
“I’m very excited to be back with the Sky for the 2018 season,” Bulgak said. “I’m very optimistic about the future of this franchise and I’m ready to come in, play my role and help advance this program.”
In 2017, Bulgak appeared in five games for the Sky, averaging 4.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
“Adut was a great addition to our team last year, so having her here from the beginning this season will be good for us,” Sky general manager and head coach Amber Stocks said. “Adut’s skill set, shooting ability and defensive intensity fit well with our style of play. She is a team player who understands our philosophy.I am pleased to have her back.”
The Chicago Sky will tip off the 2018 season on the road against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, May 19.
An event-filled 2018 home opener will follow at Wintrust Arena on Sunday, May 20 to celebrate the team’s first season at new state-of-the-art South Loop venue.
Fans can expect an action-packed lineup of entertainment, activities, prizes and giveaways leading up to when the Sky takes on the New York Liberty at 6 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased now by visiting sky.wnba.com/tickets, by emailing tickets@chicagosky.net, or by calling (866) SKY-WNBA.