STORM RE-SIGNS CRYSTAL LANGHORNE AND MERCEDES RUSSELL
Seattle retains frontcourt depth with two members of the 2018 WNBA Championship roster
SEATTLE – The Seattle Storm today announced that forward Crystal Langhorne and center Mercedes Russell have signed multi-year contracts to remain with the franchise.
Langhorne, who enters her sixth season in Seattle and 12th in the WNBA, averaged 4.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in 26 regular season games last year. After she was acquired from the Washington Mystics in 2014 through a draft-day trade, the two-time All-Star led the Storm in total points and rebounds in each of her first two seasons in Seattle.
“A priority this free agency period was to bring back Crystal,” said Alisha Valavanis, CEO and General Manager of the Storm. “Crystal is one of the most consistent players in the league and the experience she brings is immeasurable. She has been an integral part of our success.”
“We are thrilled to have Crystal back with the Storm family,” added Head Coach Dan Hughes. “Her play and leadership are essential pieces for Storm excellence.”
Langhorne’s 56.9 career field goal percentage is the third highest in league history. She has played the second-most games (359) among WNBA players since she was selected sixth overall by the Mystics in the 2008 WNBA Draft.
Russell returns to the Storm after a rookie season in which she shot 47.1 percent from the field and averaged 5.6 minutes per game. The native of Springfield, Ore. signed with Seattle on May 30 last season after appearing in two games with the New York Liberty. The 2018 second-round draft pick (22nd overall) collected eight points and nine rebounds in the Storm’s regular season finale again the Dallas Wings, marking the best performance of her rookie campaign.
“Mercedes was an exciting pick up for the Storm last year and we can’t wait to watch her growth in year two,” said Hughes.
An All-American center at the University of Tennessee, Russell averaged 15.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during her senior season and was named First Team All-SEC.
ABOUT THE SEATTLE STORM
The Seattle Storm is a three-time WNBA championship team committed to bringing a premium professional basketball and entertainment experience to a fan base rich in tradition and support. The organization places high value on community and building platforms to positively impact the overall entertainment, attraction and economy of the Puget Sound region. In addition, the Storm is dedicated to local youth development in the areas of fitness and wellness; with a special emphasis on inspiring leadership, motivation and the empowerment of girls and women. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit StormBasketball.com.