2022 WNBA All-Defense selection returns to Seattle
SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm today announced 2022 WNBA All-Defense second-team pick Gabby Williams has re-signed with the team on a rest-of-season contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Williams will join the team on its upcoming East Coast road trip and wear her familiar No. 5.
“We are excited to have Gabby back with us,” said Head Coach Noelle Quinn. “Her veteran leadership and work ethic adds so much value as we continue our development this season. Gabby’s offensive versatility and ability to play and guard multiple positions will make an immediate impact, adding another level of scoring and boost to our defense.”
Williams made a big splash in 2022 with the Storm, starting all 36 games and averaging 7.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game while connecting on a career-best 44.4% from the field. Williams finished the season as one of the best lockdown defenders in the league, earning WNBA all-defensive second-team honors for the first time. She ranked eighth in steals (1.5 spg), 11th in defensive win shares (0.142) and 13th in defensive rating (95.6). She also finished fifth among qualifiers in steal percentage (2.6%) with the team’s defensive rating dropping nearly two points per 100 possessions when she was off the court from 95.6 with her on to 97.5 with her off—the second-largest change on the team.
“It feels so good to be back in Seattle!” said Williams. “I’m really excited to be able to join the team again and I can’t wait to get started. I’m just so ready to get back to work with the girls and the staff and look forward to finishing the season strong.”
Williams, who turns 26 in September, was acquired by the Storm in a trade with Los Angeles prior to the start of the 2022 season. The Sparks held her rights after she was dealt to LA from Chicago in May of 2021, but she never appeared in a game with Los Angeles, missing the 2021 season while training with the French National Team for the 2020 Olympic Games. During this past offseason, Williams represented France at the 2022 World Cup, posting 15.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in six games. She then played with Lyon in France where she averaged 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over the 21-game season.
Williams is set to join fellow UConn grad Kia Nurse on the Storm roster. The Huskies posted a 148-3 regular-season record with the two on the roster, helping guide UConn to NCAA Titles in 2015 and 2016 and two other Final Four appearances.
The Storm begins a four-game, East Coast road trip Thursday, July 6, taking on the Connecticut Sun at 4:00 p.m. PT (7:00 p.m. ET). Williams is expected to make her 2023 Climate Pledge Arena debut on Thursday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m., when Seattle hosts the Las Vegas Aces to begin the second half.
Single game tickets along with Storm Mini Plans, and Group Experiences are available for the 2023 season. For more information, visit stormbasketball.com, or call 206-217-WNBA (9622).
—— StormBasketball.com ——