F Holdsclaw returning to WNBA

Dec 17, 2008 - 8:31 PM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- After a two-year hiatus, forward Chamique Holdsclaw is returning to the WNBA.

The Atlanta Dream on Wednesday acquired the rights to Holdsclaw from the Los Angeles Sparks for a first-round selection in next year's draft.

The first overall pick in the 1999 WNBA draft, Holdsclaw spent the first six seasons of her career with the Washington Mystics, averaging 19 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.

After two seasons in Los Angeles, Holdsclaw announced her retirement in June of 2007.

"Coming back has been something that I have been thinking about for a while," said Holdsclaw, who has WNBA career averages of 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds. "The only thing holding me back was my body and being healthy. I realized that if I had a chance I would like to play this summer."

After her retirement from the WNBA, Holdsclaw traveled overseas and currently is playing in Poland, where she is averaging 17.6 points per game for TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow in the EuroLeague.

"I'm just happy that Chamique is back in the WNBA," Atlanta coach Marynell Meadors said of Holdsclaw, the all-time leading scorer and rebounder at Tennessee. "I just think she really misses the game. I am looking forward to having her. She elevates our team to another level."

Atlanta completed its first season in the WNBA last season, finishing with the league's worst record at 4-30.