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Tech's Sneed to Play Professionally
Aug. 19, 2008
RUSTON - What was a nightmare in April has turned into a dream-come-true in August for former Louisiana Tech forward JoKeirra Sneed. The 6-foot-2-inch Sneed saw her dreams of playing in the WNBA broken - literally - in April when she broke a bone in her foot on the first day of the league's pre-draft camp held in Tampa. Sneed, who was one of only around 40 college seniors invited to the camp, knew it was her opportunity to show the WNBA coaches and scouts that she belonged with the best of the best. As disappointing as it was for Sneed, she refused to give up on her dream. Now, only four short months later, Sneed will get an opportunity to play professionally - overseas. Sneed will depart the United States Sunday heading to Spain to play in the European League after signing a contract with Agrupacion Deportiva Baloncesto Aviles. "It feels good," Sneed said. "Not too many people from my hometown get a chance to be successful. Ever since I was little I've dreamed of playing basketball. Now I can say I have played professional ball. I'm excited to experience something new." Sneed was arguably the most dominating player in the Western Athletic Conference last season, earning first team all-WAC honors while averaging 15.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game while being constantly double and triple teamed every contest. Tech head coach Chris Long said he isn't surprised that Sneed is getting this opportunity. "I'm very happy for Jo," Long said. "As disappointed as she was getting injured at the WNBA pre-draft camp I'm glad she will have an opportunity to play professionally. She will do a great job and have many opportunities to play overseas and possibly in the WNBA in the years to come." Sneed said it will mark the first time in her life that she has left the United States. "I've never been out of the country," Sneed said. "I'm excited, but I'm nervous because I don't know what to expect. I'm going to have to hang my clothes on lines because they don't have dryers." Sneed and her new teammates will begin practice on Monday as preseason camp lasts four weeks prior to the season opener. "My foot is fine," Sneed said. "I'm just trying to build up my muscles (around my knee) back to where they need to be." Those muscles are a big reason why Sneed is such a dominating post player. And the European League is about to find out what Louisiana Tech opponents discovered last season - Jo Sneed's incredible strength isn't limited to her muscles. She also has a strong desire to live out her childhood dreams. |
