By
Kamy Shaygan
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Bristol taken by Charlotte in 4th round
Another Arizona basketball player has decided to go pro.
This time, though, it's UA senior guard Reshea Bristol, who was taken by the Charlotte Sting Friday in the fourth round of the WNBA Draft.
"I'm just happy to be a part of the WNBA process," Bristol said. "It's a big deal. A lot of people are dreaming to just get invited to a camp. It doesn't matter (whether I'm drafted) one, two, three ... just as long as I am part of it."
The 5-foot-10 guard finished her four-year career as the holder of school records in both single season steals (96) and career steals (260). Bristol, who averaged 15.6 points per game this season, also led the Pacific 10 Conference in assists, averaging 7.6 per contest.
The Omaha, Neb., native is just the second player is school history to be drafted by the WNBA in the four years since its inception.
"I think Reshea has a pretty good chance to become a good pro," UA head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "She's an excellent athlete with good size and quickness. She is the kind of player that will play better with better people around her."
Although Bristol was taken as the 50th overall pick, she said she isn't concerned with her draft status.
Bristol finished her UA tenure as the No. 5 scorer in school history with 1,260 points. B ristol, a three-time UA defensive most valuable player, is the only guard on Arizona's career blocked shots list, standing ninth with 38.
Bristol is also fifth on the list in all-time assists (471), sixth in games played (118) and ninth in career scoring average (10.7). She also posted 62 double-digit scoring performances, hitting 20 points or more 11 of those times.
"I made a decision five years ago out of high school to come here (Arizona) and I'm still very proud of my choice," Bristol said. "I really thank God for having parents, friends and other family members behind me the whole way."
Despite impressing scouts and getting drafted, Bristol said she wants to be more than just a good player.
"I know they saw what I have to give, but I just want to show that I have a lot more," she said.
Bristol will begin practicing with the Sting May 2, one day after the team's annual media day. She will be joined by fellow draft picks, Georgia's Kelley Miller, Tammy Sutton-Brown of Rutgers and Xavier's Jennifer Phillips.
Bristol said she is confident that she will make the opening-day roster.
"It's definitely a good feeling right now," Bristol said. "I think I have a good chance."
