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April 4, 2007

CLEVELAND, OHIO - Senior Kamesha Hairston became Temple University's second First Round WNBA Draft pick when the Toledo, Ohio native was selected 12th overall by the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday afternoon. 

Hairston joins Candice Dupree, who plays for the Chicago Sky, as the Cherry and White's lone WNBA  players.  The two will face each other four times during the 2007 season, with the first meeting coming on May 31 in Chicago.

"I was excited-a sigh of relief, you know?" Hairston said of being selected.  "I'm just grateful for the opportunity.  You never think it can happen to you, but it happened and I'm excited."

An Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American honoree, Hairston led Temple in scoring (18.9), rebounding (8.6) and steals (61) throughout the season and was consistently ranked in the Top 20 in the nation in scoring.  The Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, she was named to the A-10 First Team and All-Defensive Team, as well as the A-10 All-Tournament Team. Hairston  also garnered WBCA/Kodak Regional All-American distinction.

Hairston ranked first in the Atlantic 10 in scoring and third in rebounding while leading her team to a first round bye in the 2007 A-10 Championship. She finished the regular season tied with a league-leading 11 double-doubles en route to earning five A-10 Player of the Week honors. She led the Owls to their fourth straight 20-win season with a 25-8 mark.  A two-time All-Conference honoree, Hairston was the A-10's Most Improved Player  in 2005.

The Connecticut Sun finished the 2006 season with a league-best 26-8 record and boast All-Stars Lindsey Whalen, Katie Douglas and Nykesha Sales.  Head coach Mike Thibault is no stranger to the Temple program.  He and Owl head coach Dawn Staley are both assistant coaches on the United States Olympic Team.

"We're very happy with what we got in the first round," said Thibault.  "Kamesha Hairston is a terrific shooter, ready to shoot coming off screens, plays the two or three spot, has long arms and can defend.  She needs to get a little stronger, but she fits the type of player we want.  She's a good athlete."

For more information, visit www.wnba.com.