Nakia Sanford still can’t get the star treatment. Two or three times every game, the Washington Mystics center will get tied up with an opposing player in a fight for the ball, and more often than not, the referee signals jump ball, leaving Sanford in disbelief.
“They just don’t love me, I guess,” said Sanford. “But I still love them, and it’s okay. It’s better that we get a jump ball than them getting the ball. It’s kind of frustrating, but it just rolls that way. What can you do?”
She may not yet be recognized or revered like her former mentor, Chasity Melvin, or WNBA All-Star MVP Cheryl Ford, but Sanford is getting the job done in the post. She scored a season-best 17 points in the third quarter and a season-high 25 in Washington’s most recent win over Minnesota.
She’s also currently third in the league in field goal percentage (.532) and second in offensive rebounding (2.9 per game).
With both the NBA and WNBA leaning toward more hybrid players, Sanford remains old school.
“I really love being a post player,” said Sanford. “I think a lot of time the league gets away from role-specific player, such as a five who can shoot the three. I like being in there and getting hit.”
Houston Comets (5-16) at Mystics (7-12)
When » Today, 11:30 a.m.
Where » Verizon Center
Radio » 1260 AM
Note » Today’s game is Camp Day for the Mystics, a required matinee for every team once a year.
