Minnesota Golden Gophers sophomore center Amanda Zahui B. has declared the WNBA Draft, she announced Monday.
In rare move in women's basketball: @GophersWBB sophomore Amanda Zahui B. is declaring for the @WNBA Draft according to source
— Doug Feinberg (@DougFeinberg) April 6, 2015
“Over the past few years I’ve learned a lot about making difficult decisions involving my life, education, and future starting with a major move from my home country to the United States,” Zahui, a native of Sweden, said in a statement via GopherSports.com. “Though challenging, that initial decision has proved to be a step in the right direction. I am most grateful for the University of Minnesota and the Golden Gopher basketball program and athletic department for believing in me and welcoming me as I sought to make something great of my life and grooming my talents further. In two years, the University of Minnesota became home. The coaches, university staff, teammates and community have helped me in many ways; I truly want to thank them all. I will forever be a Gopher and will support their continued success.”
To be eligible, all college players must be 22 years of age the year of the draft, according to SB Nation. Zahui B. will turn 22 in September. She gave up her international eligibility when she signed with the Gophers. International players not playing American collegiate basketball are allowed to enter the draft after they turn 20.
ESPN reports that Zahui, who had to declare by the end of Monday, could be the top pick in the draft.
Zahui led the Gophers in scoring (18.8 points) and rebounding (12.9 rebounds) en route to being named to the AP All-America First Team. She also averaged 4.1 blocks per game.
ESPN adds that top rookies in the WNBA earn an average salary of just under $50,000. She could make hundreds of thousands of dollars if she plays overseas.
In 2005, ex-Gopher Janel McCarville was the No. 1 pick in the draft.
