Warriors make Evans first woman drafted by NBA 2K League
NEW YORK: Chiquita Evans became the first woman even selected in the NBA 2K League Draft, going 56th overall Tuesday to Warriors Gaming Squad, the team operated by NBA champion Golden State.
The 30-year-old Chicago gamer, whose tag is Chiquitae126, became emotional as she realized her groundbreaking eSports role beyond being the second pick in the fourth round.
“I told myself I wasn’t going to cry, that I was going to hold it in, but it was just too hard,” Evans said.
“It feels surreal. It’s an amazing experience. I’m very glad to be here, excited to be here. It’s a very humbling experience.”
She will be among 126 players in the league, which had no women players in its inaugural campaign.
“A lot of people want my perspective on the gaming scene for women in general and want me to answer questions as far as do I feel like it will improve,” Evans said. “I feel like it will improve, but it starts with women ourselves.
“We have to go out here and get ourselves known. We have to learn to have tough skin and just go out there and compete, no matter what anyone says.”
The gym trainer credited playing actual basketball in high school, college and semi-pro levels with building the toughness she needed to excel as a gamer and draw the loudest ovation from draft spectators.
“It has been amazing,” she said. “The support that I have gotten over the last few months has been amazing.” - AFP