Candace Parker received an emotional surprise Thursday when her former team, The Los Angeles Sparks, announced that she would retire her n ° 3 jersey.
The special ceremony is scheduled for June 29, at halftime of the Sparks match against the Ciel de Chicago. This honor cements the place of Parker in history, which only makes it the third player of Sparks to receive such recognition, alongside Lisa Leslie and Penny toler, by AP news.
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While working as a diffuser for TNT during the cover of the NCAA tournamentParker reacted to the announcement with deep gratitude and disbelief.
“Often, when you play in an arena like the Staples Center, you look at and see names like Kareem, Magic and Kobe,” said Parker. “To imagine my name up there with them – it’s surreal. I feel incredibly humiliated and grateful for this moment.”
Parker’s career with Sparks began in 2008 when selected as a global choice n ° 1 in the WNBA draft.
During 13 seasons, she became one of the most dominant players in the League, helping the Sparks to secure the 2016 WNBA championship and to win the MVP honors of the finals.
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During his recruit season, Parker entered the story by becoming the first WNBA player to win the recruit of the year and the MVP during the same season. Her defensive prowess was also recognized in 2020, when she was appointed defensive player of the year of the league, more solidifying her reputation as a full player.
Former star of Los Angeles Star Candace Parker. © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
According to The penny, The co-owner of Sparks and Legend of Basketball Magic Johnson congratulated Parker contributions to sport and organization.
“Candace Parker was not only one of the biggest players in Sparks’ history, but she was also a pioneer for women’s basketball,” said Johnson.
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“The retreat of her jersey is a well -deserved honor, celebrating everything she did for this team, the WNBA and the city of Los Angeles. She will always be part of the Sparks family. ”
It will be Parker’s second retirement, while the University of Tennessee withdrew its n ° 3 in 2014 to honor its consecutive NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008.
Now, with its number to be permanently hung in the Rafters of Crypto.com Arena, the heritage of Parker as one of the biggest players in the WNBA is forever secure.
Related: Candace Parker predicts a new teammate for Angel Reese
