ATLANTA, July 26, 2013 Atlanta Dream center Erika de Souza has been named by WNBA President Laurel J. Richie to replace injured Eastern Conference All-Star Elena Delle Donne of the Chicago Sky in the Boost Mobile WNBA All-Star Game.
It will mark the second All-Star appearance for de Souza, whose previous selection came in 2009. She will join Dream teammate Angel McCoughtry, who was elected as a starter for the East squad, at the All-Star Game.
Boost Mobile WNBA All-Star 2013 will be nationally broadcast on ABC, Saturday, July 27, at 3:30 p.m. ET from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
This season de Souza is averaging 11.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. She ranks fifth in the WNBA in rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage (.536). She currently has a franchise record streak of five consecutive double-doubles, averaging 14.0 points and a whopping 14.2 rebounds in those five contests, and her seven double-doubles for the season ranks tied for third best in the league.
The 6-5 de Souza, who is the only player remaining from the Dreams inaugural season in 2008, is the franchises all-time leader in rebounds (1,179), blocked shots (200), field goal percentage (.535) and double-doubles (47).
The two-time Eastern Conference Champion Atlanta Dream is in its sixth season at Philips Arena as part of the Womens National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Dream qualified for the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, including back-to-back conference titles in 2010 and 2011. Season tickets and single-game tickets for the 2013 season can be purchased by calling (877) 977-7729 or visiting www.AtlantaDream.net. The next home game is scheduled for Sunday, August 11, against the New York Liberty. The complete 2013 schedule can be found at www.wnba.com/dream/schedule.