Shameka Christon, American basketball player

Shameka Delynn Christon, born on February 15, 1982, is a distinguished American former professional women's basketball player. Known for her versatility as a shooting guard and small forward, Christon established a notable career primarily within the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), culminating her league journey with the Phoenix Mercury as mentioned in this specific account of her career. Her journey through college basketball excellence, a high WNBA draft selection, and significant international play cemented her status as a respected athlete in the sport.

Collegiate Excellence at the University of Arkansas

Christon's path to professional basketball began with an illustrious collegiate career at the University of Arkansas. Her tenure as a Razorback was marked by exceptional performance and leadership, culminating in her senior year in 2004 where she was honored as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes the most outstanding player in one of college basketball's most competitive conferences, underscoring her talent and impact. During her time at Arkansas, Christon also earned All-SEC First Team selections in both 2003 and 2004, alongside a Kodak/WBCA All-America Honorable Mention in 2004. She completed her studies with a bachelor's degree in social work, demonstrating a commitment to academics alongside her athletic pursuits. Her impressive scoring prowess during her collegiate career saw her finish as the University of Arkansas's second all-time leading scorer, a testament to her consistent offensive threat.

A Promising Start in the WNBA with the New York Liberty

Following her outstanding college career, Shameka Christon was a highly anticipated prospect in the 2004 WNBA Draft. She was selected as the fifth overall pick by the New York Liberty, a foundational franchise in the WNBA known for its rich history and competitive spirit. Being a top-five pick in the draft signifies the immense potential and high expectations placed upon a player, highlighting her perceived ability to make an immediate and significant impact at the professional level. During her time with the Liberty, Christon quickly established herself, eventually earning a WNBA All-Star selection in 2007, a significant milestone recognizing her as one of the league's elite performers.

Global Experience: Playing Overseas Between WNBA Seasons

Like many WNBA players, Shameka Christon extended her professional career and honed her skills by playing overseas during the WNBA off-seasons. This common practice allows athletes to maintain peak physical condition, continue developing their game, and supplement their income, as international leagues often offer competitive contracts. Her international experience included stints with two Israeli teams, Elizur Ramla and Raanana Hertzliya, showcasing her adaptability to different playing styles and environments. She also competed for the Spanish club Rivas Futura, where she notably played alongside fellow WNBA standout Becky Hammon, who was also a key player for the New York Liberty at the time. Playing with and against other top international talents further enriched her professional experience.

USA Basketball Recognition

Christon's exceptional talent did not go unnoticed by USA Basketball, the governing body for basketball in the United States. In the fall of 2009, she received a coveted invitation to the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp. This invitation is a significant honor, placing her among the nation's elite basketball players. Subsequently, Christon was named as one of twenty players selected for the national team pool, from which the final twelve-player rosters would be chosen to represent the United States in the prestigious 2010 FIBA World Championships and the 2012 London Olympic Games. While making the final roster for these highly competitive international tournaments is a monumental challenge, her inclusion in the pool underscored her status as a top-tier American talent.

Career Transitions and Final WNBA Chapters

Shameka Christon's WNBA career also involved several significant team transitions, common in professional sports due to trades and free agency. In March 2010, she was part of a multi-team, multi-player trade that sent her to the Chicago Sky, marking a new chapter in her career. Following her time with the Sky, she signed with the San Antonio Silver Stars on February 8, 2012, adding another respected franchise to her resume. Her final documented WNBA signing mentioned in this overview occurred on March 24, 2015, when she joined the Phoenix Mercury. Each move represented an opportunity to contribute to new teams and adapt to different strategic approaches within the league.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shameka Christon

What is Shameka Christon's birth date?
Shameka Delynn Christon was born on February 15, 1982.
Which college did Shameka Christon attend, and what were her key achievements there?
She attended the University of Arkansas, where she was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year in 2004 during her senior season. She also earned All-SEC First Team honors in 2003 and 2004, and finished as the second all-time leading scorer for the Razorbacks. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in social work.
When was Shameka Christon drafted into the WNBA, and by which team?
Shameka Christon was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty.
Did Shameka Christon play overseas?
Yes, between WNBA seasons, she played for international teams including Elizur Ramla and Raanana Hertzliya in Israel, and Rivas Futura in Spain.
Was Shameka Christon ever an WNBA All-Star?
Yes, she was named a WNBA All-Star in 2007 during her tenure with the New York Liberty.
Which WNBA teams did Shameka Christon play for throughout her career?
Her WNBA career included stints with the New York Liberty (drafted 2004), Chicago Sky (traded 2010), San Antonio Silver Stars (signed 2012), and Phoenix Mercury (signed 2015).