CHICAGO, July 14, 2009 The Chicago Skys Sylvia Fowles and Candice Dupree were among the top five vote getters named to the WNBAs 2009 Eastern Conference All-Star team, earning them a starting position in the 2009 WNBA All-Star game.
Fowles, the WNBAs leading rebounder will start at center in her first WNBA All-Star apperance. Dupree, who ranks among the top 20 in the league in scoring and rebounding, will make her first all-star start as a forward in her third appearance.
The 2009 WNBA All-Star Game will be nationally televised on ABC on Saturday, July 25 at 2:30 pm CDT.
Each time I make the All-Star team, Im surprised. To be a starter is something I always wanted to be, it just makes this All-Star game that much more special for me, said Dupree. Thanks to all those Sky fans who voted for me, it really means a lot to know that I have such a tremendous amount of support in Chicago and elsewhere.
Making the WNBA All-Star team is something Ive definitly aimed for in my career, but to be named a starter is amazing, said Fowles. Im looking forward to reprenting Chicago with my teammate Candice Dupree, I think this just goes to show that the Sky is a talented team and that our fans are taking notice and supporting us all the way.
Starters for the WNBA All-Star Game were determined by a fan vote which opened on June 14 and ran through July 7. Other top vote getters in the East included the Indiana Fevers Tamika Cathings, Katie Douglas and Washingtons Alana Beard.
Fowles, who missed four games with a knee injury, is averaging 8.6 rebounds and 11.8 points per game. Fowles has recorded four double-doubles so far this season. She also grabbed a career-best 15 rebounds in a 64-57 Sky win over Seattle on June 14.
Dupree has started every game for the Sky and is averaging a team-high 15.8 points per game (11th in the WNBA) including a season-best 28 point night in the Skys win over host Seattle on July 12. The Sky power forward is also averaging 6.1 rebounds a night, good for 19th in the WNBA cementing her status as one of the most versatile forwards in the league.
The Western Conference starters are Seattles Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Lauren Jackson, Los Angeles Lisa Leslie and Becky Hammon from San Antonio.