Mississippi State's Jessika Carter taken by New York Liberty in WNBA Draft
Jessika Carter’s long basketball journey is taking her to the WNBA.
After leaving her mark at Mississippi State following a six-year career, Carter heard her name called in Monday night’s WNBA Draft. The 6’4 senior center was drafted 23rd overall with a second-round selection to the New York Liberty.
“Our fanbase and staff have known for years that Jessika Carter is a pro,” coach Sam Purcell said. “The New York Liberty not only drafted a great player, but a phenomenal person and role model. From her dominance on the court to the way she attacks everyday, there is no doubt that her best basketball is ahead of her and we are excited to watch how she will continue to leave her mark in the league.”
In six years with the Bulldogs, Carter left her mark in Starkville. She played in a school-record 152 games with 114 starts. Carter finished with 1,773 career points, 1,125 rebounds and 240 blocked shots during that time and was twice named second-team All-SEC. Her 15.2 points and 9.7 rebounds this season were career highs.
Carter finished her career second in rebounds, third in blocks and fifth in points.
The selection of Carter was the ninth in MSU history and the fourth for the Bulldogs since 2018. She’s the first player since Teaira McCowan and Anriel Howard to be drafted and that was back in 2019. The selection to the Liberty marks the first for a former Bulldog in school history.
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The Liberty are among the WNBA’s best teams. Last season, the team finished second in the league with a 32-8 record and were just behind the champion Las Vegas Aces.
New York has built a strong roster with Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu already on board and Rookie draft picks Marquesha Davis from Ole Miss and former State commitment Esmery Martinez from Arizona joining Carter.
The WNBA season tips off in mid-May for Vivians, McCowan and Carter. The Liberty will start the regular season on Tuesday, May 14, with a road trip to play the Washington Mystics.
