Sylvia Fowles and Candice Dupree Named 2009 WNBA All-Star Starters

CHICAGO, July 14, 2009  The Chicago Skys Sylvia Fowles and Candice Dupree were among the top five vote getters named to the WNBAs 2009 Eastern Conference All-Star team, earning them a starting position in the 2009 WNBA All-Star game.

Fowles, the WNBAs 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, Im 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 Ive definitly aimed for in my career, but to be named a starter is amazing, said Fowles. Im 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 Fevers Tamika Cathings, Katie Douglas and Washingtons 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 Skys 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 Seattles Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Lauren Jackson, Los Angeles Lisa Leslie and Becky Hammon from San Antonio.