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By Joseph Staszewski
Brooklyn Daily
Shenneika Smith watched her dreams come true in more ways than one.
The St. John’s University women’s basketball star, who grew up in Canarsie, was selected in the third round of the Women’s National Basketball Association Draft by the New York Liberty on April 16. Smith, a 6-foot-1 guard, had always dreamed of playing in the league, but to get the chance to do it at home makes it extra special. She joins fellow Brooklynite Epiphany Prince in the league.
“I’m a local kid,” Smith said. “My friends and family can come out. [My dream] came true and it’s a blessing. I’m ready to play already.”
Being drafted was the final piece of Smith’s historic career at St. John’s. She and Red Storm point guard Nadirah McKenith, who was taken in the second round by the Washington Mystics, became the first players ever to be drafted from the program.
The accomplishment comes after they helped lead St. John’s to four straight NCAA tournaments and its first ever Sweet Sixteen two seasons ago. Smith hit the most memorable shot in program history as a junior, a 3-pointer to end the University of Connecticut’s 99-game home winning streak.
“It shows kids that it’s okay to stay close to home and you can accomplish a lot of things,” said Smith, who averaged 13 .5 points per game during her career. “You helped build something.”
She followed the draft with her family at Sly Fox Inn on Union Turnpike near St. John’s. Smith said it was tough to wait as the picks went on, but she remained confident that she had done enough during her career to prove she was ready.
The former St. Michael Academy star joins a Liberty team that is under new management after going 15–19 and losing in the first round of the playoffs last year. Former Detroit Pistons star Bill Laimbeer, who has won three WNBA titles with the Detroit Shock, has taken over as general manager and coach. Smith will bring an array of talents to bear as she aims to earn her spot when training camp opens on May 6.
“They are getting a very versatile and athletic player, who can score the ball, which is always important at the professional level,” St. John’s coach Joe Tartamella said. “Her versatility will be her strength and that will be a key factor in getting her on the floor for the Liberty.”
Smith couldn’t help by think about former high school and travel ball coach Apache Paschall, who died of a heart attack in Jan. 2012. He had told her since the eighth grade she was going to the WNBA.
“Of course I didn’t believe him back then,” Smith said. “Now I was just happy to give him something to smile down on.”
Reach reporter Joseph Staszewski at jstaszewski@cnglocal.com. Follow him on twitter @cng_staszewski.