Tsineke, Mendjiadeu drafted to WNBA
Hard work paid off for seniors forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu and guard Elena Tsineke when both names were called back-to-back during the second round of the WNBA Draft.
Tsineke was announced as the 20th pick of the night to the Washington Mystics. Mendjiadeu was named to the Seattle Storm right after her teammate.
Mendjiadeu and Tsineke were the seventh and eighth players drafted to the WNBA in program history. The last USF player to receive the honor was Kitija Laksa in 2020, who was also named to the Seattle Storm.
Being drafted alongside her teammate is a rewarding experience that Tsineke said is a reflection of their hard work.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity,” Tsineke said in a press release. “A dream come true. I am so proud and happy for my teammate, Dulcy. We have worked so hard for this. We both shared the same vision throughout the year. All Glory to God!”
Mendjiadeu said once the feeling settles in, she knows she’ll have to work even harder in order to maintain her current standings.
“I am feeling overwhelmed right now and it hasn’t dawned on me yet but I feel good,” Mendjiadeu said in a press release. “All the hard work starts now. I am really grateful for the opportunity but I know that everything starts now. I have to go and fight and battle and earn my place.”
Upon hearing the news, Bulls coach Jose Fernandez expressed his excitement for the pair on Twitter.
Words can’t explain how excited and proud I am of these two!!!@USFWBB @ETsineke @DulcyMendjiadeu pic.twitter.com/B7C3XscZ2I
— Jose Fernandez (@CoachJFernandez) April 11, 2023
Mendjiadeu and Tsineke proved their impressive skills during the 2022-23 season, as the two were named American Athletic Conference Co-Players of the year after leading the Bulls to their ninth NCAA tournament appearance.
Tsineke was the top scorer for USF last season, averaging 17.9 points per game.
Mendjiadeu had the highest rebound average in the conference with 12.3. She also scored an impressive 16.5 points per game.
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