Sky add another guard
Ben Abdelkader played for Fever last season
The Sky added point-guard depth Monday when they signed Hind Ben Abdelkader. Terms of the contract weren’t released.
Ben Abdelkader, 23, struggled in her rookie season last year with the Indiana Fever. She averaged just 2.1 points, 0.8 assists and one rebound in 14 games.
She shot a woeful 18.6 percent from the field and 20.7 percent from the three-point line.
After leaving the Fever on July 1, Ben Abdelkader returned to Europe, where she excelled. The 5-8 guard averaged 19.2 points, 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals with Hatay of the Turkish League.
General manager and coach James Wade, who replaced Amber Stocks in November, believes Ben Abdelkader will give the Sky “added security” at point guard.
“She’s had competitive years in EuroLeague and has played well in Turkey, which made us take notice,” Wade said in a statement.
Wade previously told the SunTimes that part of the reason the Sky struggled last season is because the “connection wasn’t there.” He also said the team lacked an offensive identity.
Wade believes Ben Abdelkader can help the Sky find that identity.
“She has an aggressive rhythm, which is a nice change,” he said.
Wade also praised her ability to space the floor.
The Sky already have a guardheavy roster that features Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley and Diamond DeShields.
The Sky will get their first look at Ben Abdelkader when training camp opens May 5.
The Sky also own the fourth pick in the WNBA Draft on April 10.
Ben Abdelkader, a native of Brussels, Belgium, has played a significant role on Belgian national teams since she was 16.
She was named the MVP of the Under-16 European Championships in 2011. She averaged five points in one college season at Cal in 2013-14 before leaving to play professionally in Europe.