Chicago Sky Re-Sign Jamierra Faulkner, Add Evelyn Akhator to Camp Roster
By Tyler Berry
The Sky bring back a valuable guard with scoring upside.
On Thursday, the Chicago Sky announced that the team re-signed guard Jamierra Faulkner. General Manager and Head Coach James Wade also announced that the team signed 24-year-old forward Evelyn Akhator to a training camp deal.
The Faulkner re-signing is particularly exciting for the Sky, considering the unfortunate result of her 2018 WNBA campaign. After a solid start to the season where she averaged 7.6 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in 17 games, her season was cut short due to an ACL injury.
This was the second ACL injury that cost her playing time in Chicago. The 2014 third-round pick missed all of the 2017 season after sustaining a tear in her left knee during her time playing overseas.
Coach Wade sounded enthusiastic about the signing.
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“I can count on one hand the number of third-round draft picks that have carved out such a valuable role for themselves in the league the way Jamierra has,” said Wade, “and that’s because she’s the epitome of hard work and mental toughness. She is a fearless competitor who has a proven commitment to constantly pushing herself to be the best player she can be. I really look forward to having her back this season.”
Alongside Faulkner comes the potential for Evelyn Akhator to secure a roster spot during training camp. Currently playing for Turkey’s Besiktas alongside the Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell, Akhator’s having a fantastic season, averaging 13.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 18 games.
The 6’3 forward was drafted third overall by the Dallas Wings in 2017, but never carved out a role in the team’s rotation and was waived before the 2018 season began. Despite that, the skills are there, and she’ll get the opportunity to fight for a roster spot with Chicago pretty soon.
The Chicago Sky training camp kicks off on May 5 where the team will look to rebuild after a disappointing 2018 season.
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