University of Georgia Athletics
Barbee Selected By New York Liberty In WNBA Draft
April 14, 2016 | Women's Basketball
ATHENS, Ga.—Shacobia Barbee, who just finished her senior season as a member of the Georgia Lady Bulldog basketball team, was selected in the third round with the 36th overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty Thursday evening.
The Murfreesboro, Tennessee native and 2016 First Team All-SEC performer becomes the 21st Lady Bulldog and the first since the trio of Anne Marie Armstrong, Jasmine James and Jasmine Hassell in 2013 to be selected in the WNBA Draft.
"The New York Liberty are getting a phenomenal player in Shacobia Barbee," head coach Joni Taylor said. "She is such a dynamic player who brings toughness, energy and passion to the floor every time she plays, and she has the ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. I am so proud of Cobi and all of her accomplishments over the last four years, and I look froward to seeing her develop in the WNBA."
Barbee wrapped up a remarkable career in 2015-16, leading the Lady Bulldogs back to the NCAA Tournament. At the time of her season-ending injury, Barbee was the only player in the SEC ranked in the top-5 in rebounds, steals and assists. She scored in double figures in 21 of 27 games and recorded nine double-doubles this past season.
The 5-foot-10 guard/forward, who is one of 37 Georgia players all-time to score 1,000 career points, finished her career ranked eighth on UGA's all-time career steals chart with 278. Her triple-double against Stetson on Nov. 15, 2015 was only the third in school history and the first for a Lady Bulldog since 1995.
"This is absolutely a dream come true," Barbee said. "To hear your name called in the WNBA draft is something you dream about growing up — to see it coming true is such a great feeling. I can't thank my family, my coaches and teammates enough for helping me reach this point. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and without the support of these amazing people this is not possible."
Barbee joins an elite group of former Lady Bulldogs who have been drafted in the WNBA. Georgia entered the 2015-16 season with the fourth-most draft selections by any school since 1999 with 25 players who have gone on to earn roster spots in the league. In all, Barbee will be the 40th Georgia player to play professionally.
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