Minnesota Lynx Sign Center Damiris Dantas



MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL  The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has signed center Damiris Dantas. Per team policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

We are looking forward to having Damiris in training camp this spring, said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. Damiris has proven to be a difference maker in Brazil and her list of accomplishments at such a young age is impressive.

Dantas, 21, was originally selected by the Lynx in the first round (12th overall) of the 2012 WNBA Draft. A 6-4 center from Brazil, Dantas currently plays for Americana in the Brazilian league where she has appeared in 15 games, averaging 12.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Prior to being drafted by the Lynx in 2012, Dantas helped lead Brazils womens national team to its fifth gold medal at the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship, averaging 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Dantas also led Brazil to a bronze medal, its first medal at the U19 World Championship, by averaging tournament-highs of 20.0 points and 12.6 rebounds per game and earning tournament MVP honors.

Additionally, Dantas helped lead Brazil to a bronze medal in the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, averaging 10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. She also represented Brazil at the 2012 London Olympics, averaging 4.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

The Lynx will kick off their 16th season in the WNBA on the road at Washington on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. The 2014 home opener will be on Sunday, May 18 vs. Connecticut at 4 p.m., which will feature a historic ring ceremony and championship banner raising for the 2013 WNBA Champions. Full-season and half-season memberships are available by visiting www.lynxbasketball.com or by calling 612-673-8400.