University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Brianna Kiesel Selected 13th by Tulsa Shock in WNBA Draft
4/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
PITTSBURGH -- Senior point guard Brianna Kiesel was drafted by the Tulsa Shock as the 13th overall selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft on Thursday night.
"I am so blessed for the opportunity to make it to the WNBA," Kiesel said. "That has been a dream of mine and I am going to go out there and give it my all. It was amazing to hear my name called. Being here with my coaches, friends, family and teammates, I have such a great support system. The University of Pittsburgh has blessed me with so many great opportunities."
This caps off an amazing career for the Utica, N.Y. native who graduates as Pitt's all-time leader in minutes played, while ranking fifth in both points (1,938) and assists (433).
Kiesel had a standout senior campaign which resulted in numerous individual accolades and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. She was named a WBCA Region 2 All-America nominee, a First Team All-ACC performer, as well as being named to the All-ACC Defensive Team and ACC All-Academic Team.
"There is no question Brianna was a leader, but what she did this year really solidified her as a true leader," said Steve Swetoha, President of the Tulsa Shock. "She is a really good shooter and can create her own shot. We watched some games this season where she simply took over.
"The McConnell sisters knew what they needed to do to get her ready for this, and we trust them, so that was important to us. We had her rated high on our board from a guard prospective. She was a top guard in the ACC. We want her to come in and compete for a position. We expect her to make our team better."
Kiesel is now the second player in program history to be drafted into the WNBA along with Shavonte Zellous who was selected 11th overall by Detroit in 2009.
"This is a special day for Brianna Kiesel, her family and Pitt women's basketball," head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio said. "We are so proud of her and excited about the opportunity she has been given by a great organization in the Tulsa Shock. Coach Fred Williams and President Steve Swetoha are getting a first class player and person. She has worked so hard for this moment and we wish her the best of luck at the next level."
Tulsa also had the second overall pick in this year's draft and selected Minnesota sophomore Amanda Zahui B. The Shock then drafted Mimi Mungedi of the University of Nevada with the 25th overall pick.
The WNBA season will start on Friday, June 5. Tulsa's first game is at Minnesota, a team formerly coached by current Pitt head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio.
