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Atkinson signs with Raanana
Lior Klinger
,09/13/2006 |
La'Tangela Atkinson – the talented rookie from the Indiana Fever – is the 3rd foreigner signed by Raanana Hertzeliya for the upcoming season. "One of the most athletic players to come to Israel", acording to Tal Natan, Atkinson is expected to be one of the league's most fun to watch players.
La'Tangela Atkinson is one of the most talented young players in the WNBA today. Atkinson (22, 6'2), a UNC graduate, was the 9th overall pick in this year's draft by Indiana. She's extremely athletic, versatile and is known for her strong defense. The main aspect she must improve on is her outside and free throw shooting. This season in Indiana Atkinson played in 33 games, and averaged 3.0 points and 2.3 boards in 12.6 minutes per game. She shot 47.1% from 2pt range, 29% from 3pt range and 46.2% from the line.
"She is one of the most athletic players to come to Israel in recent years, some say that she can even dunk" said coach Tal Natan. "I spoke with K.B Sharp [who plays with Atkinson in Indiana and played in Raanana last season] last night and she told me I'm getting a player at the highest level there is, and she told me that she dunks in practice. Either way, Raanana Hertzeliya is getting a super talented player of the next generation of basketball players."
Atkinson led North Carolina to a 33-2 record and a #1 ranking in her senior season. UNC made it to the final four where they lost in the semi finals to Shay Doron & Maryland, 80-71. Atkinson was one of the unsung heroes of the Tar Heel's great season. She was named to the ACC's All-Defensive season as a senior. Atkinson started all games in the 05/06 season and averaged 9.1 points, 6.6 boards and 3.1 assists per game. She was considered as a major talent from the minute she set foot on campus, and went on to win the ACC's Freshman of the year award in 02/03. Atkinson didn't miss a game during her 4-year career at UNC, and started 117 out of 134 games. She became the first player in ACC history with over 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 350 assists.
Atkinson joins previously signed Michelle Campbell, Tasha Butts, Katia Levitzky, Ortal Oren, Chen Nusel, Ornit Shwartz, Yael Aharonov, Nofar Shalom & Yael Cherkov in Raanana.
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