Mystics Draft Langhorne, One of Two Terps Selected

PALM HARBOR, Fla., April 9 -- Washington Mystics General Manager Linda Hargrove was a regular at Maryland basketball games this season, and it was clear that she was enamored of one, if not both, Terrapins front-court players. And when it came to deciding between the two, Hargrove chose to go with the player she called "one of the most efficient players in the NCAA," Crystal Langhorne.

The Mystics selected the 6-foot-2 forward with the sixth pick at Wednesday's WNBA draft.

"We've watched her for a long time," Hargrove said. "We like her game. . . . She can step in and immediately help us."

As expected, Tennessee's Candace Parker was the top overall pick, by the Los Angeles Sparks. LSU's Sylvia Fowles went to the Chicago Sky at No. 2. After all of their talk about how they might take a guard in the draft, the Mystics stayed true to their original strategy of drafting three front-court players. In addition to Langhorne, Washington selected UCLA forward Lindsey Pluimer and Virginia Commonwealth forward Krystal Vaughn.

"We were trying to get players that fit in our system," Mystics Coach Tree Rollins said.

Langhorne, who was joined at the draft by her parents, two brothers and Maryland Coach Brenda Frese, is the Terrapins' all-time leading scorer and rebounder. The two-time all-American and ACC player of the year averaged 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds and made 64.7 percent of her shots last season. She had hopes of being selected in the first round but wasn't sure what to expect on draft day.

"A lot of people were saying some things, but you never know what coaches are thinking or who they need, guards or posts," Langhorne said. "When Washington came up, I was like, 'Hopefully they pick me,' and they did."

Langhorne is familiar with the Mystics, having attended a couple of games at Verizon Center.

"I love the area," said Langhorne, who grew up in Willingboro, N.J. "Just being able to be in Washington and my family being able to come watch me play is just a great opportunity for myself."

What attracted the Mystics most to Pluimer, a 6-4 forward, was her ability to play on the perimeter. Pluimer, who started every game of her career at UCLA, led the Bruins with 35 three-point field goals. The Pacific-10 Conference first-team selection and former teammate of current Mystics guard Nikki Blue averaged 14.1 points per game.

"She's very different from the [power forwards] that we have," Hargrove said.

Vaughn, a 6-1 forward, is the first player from VCU to be drafted in the WNBA. Coached by former Mystics guard Beth Cunningham, the Baltimore native averaged 15.6 points and 6.3 rebounds last season.

"I was excited because I've wanted to play for Washington since I was a child," Vaughn said. "Plus it's close to home for me."

Langhorne's teammate, Laura Harper, was chosen by the Sacramento Monarchs at No. 10, giving Maryland two first-round picks for the first time in school history.

"We're just elated," Frese said. "What a proud moment, special day for Maryland basketball."

Harper was stunned to hear her name called when it was.

"When I heard my name I was euphoric," Harper said. "I didn't know if it was a dream or what. Playing amongst a class of so many talented players, it's just like the bar is set so high. To be among them, I just felt speechless."

The Monarchs have a void to fill in their front court after former WNBA most valuable player Yolanda Griffith signed with the Seattle Storm on Tuesday. Griffith's departure may mean Harper will get to play right away.

James Madison guard Tamera Young, who impressed many WNBA coaches and general managers at the pre-draft camp last weekend, was taken by the Atlanta Dream at No. 8. The Wilmington, N.C., native was thrilled to be playing so close to her home.

"I had no idea I was going to go so high," Young said. "This helps put James Madison on the map."

Other players with area connections selected in the draft include Duke guard Wanisha Smith (Riverdale Baptist), who went to the New York Liberty at No. 27; Virginia guard Sharneé Zoll, who went to Los Angeles at No. 29; and George Washington guard Kim Beck, who went to Seattle at No. 36.

Langhorne and Harper will return to Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, the site of the draft, in just a few weeks. The Mystics and Monarchs are holding their training camps at the resort owned by Sheila Johnson, the Mystics' president and managing partner.

"I think the biggest coup was to get the Maryland player," Johnson said. "It's great to continue to pull on the hometown talent. I think she's going to be a great asset to the Mystics roster."

Complete list of selections, E4