'Delay is not denial' - D'Tigress superstar Ezinne Kalu signs HARDSHIP contract with WNBA side Atlanta

Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu at Paris 2024 Olympics.

'Delay is not denial' - D'Tigress superstar Ezinne Kalu signs HARDSHIP contract with WNBA side Atlanta

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 07:29 - 19.09.2024

D'Tigress Paris 2024 Olympics star Ezinne Kalu has reacted to her shock move to the WNBA to join Atlanta Dream.

The Atlanta Dream have announced the signing of Nigerian Olympic and D'Tigress basketball star Ezinne Kalu to a seven-day hardship contract. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that this move marks Kalu's entry into the WNBA, following her impressive performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Kalu, who led Nigeria's D'Tigress to a historic quarterfinal appearance in Paris, expressed her excitement about the opportunity on social media. 

"Delayed does not mean Denied," she posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account, reflecting on her long-awaited chance to play in the WNBA.

Nigerian basketball legend Ezinne Kalu is off to the WNBA.
Nigerian basketball legend Ezinne Kalu is off to the WNBA.

According to the club website, Kalu’s experience and ability were the reasons behind the move to contract the talented Nigerian star.

“The 5'8" guard brings a wealth of international experience to the Dream,” the club stated in a statement.

 At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kalu averaged 18.5 points per game, ranking fourth in scoring behind only Emma Meesseman (Belgium), A'ja Wilson (USA), and Satou Sabally (Germany). 

She stood out for D’Tigress in the shock win against Australia, where she contributed 19 points, five assists, five rebounds, and three steals.

Kalu in Paris 2024 Olympics.

Kalu's impressive Olympic showing earned her a spot on the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Second Team, further cementing her status as one of the top players in the competition.

Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Kalu is familiar with Georgia, having attended Savannah State University. 

Ezinne Kalu was in charge in Paris 2024.
Ezinne Kalu was in charge in Paris 2024.

During her college career, she led the Tigers to their first MEAC Championship in 2015 and became the first player in school history to score over 2,000 career points.

The Atlanta Dream's decision to sign Kalu comes as they look to bolster their roster. The seven-day hardship contract allows teams to temporarily add players when multiple roster members are unavailable due to injury, illness, or other circumstances.

As Kalu prepares to make her WNBA debut, D’Tigress followers will be eager to see if she can translate her international success to the highest level of women's professional basketball in the United States.

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