Gabon's Mungedi ready to step up game to play in WNBA
NEW YORK (WNBA/AfroBasket Women 2015) - Gabon is officially on the international women's basketball map.
First, the central African country made history last month by qualifying for the AfroBasket Women for the first time in a decade.
Last Thursday, Mimi Mungedi became the first player from Gabon selected to play in the WNBA after the Tulsa Shock used the 25th pick in the 2015 Draft on the 2.03m center.
I'd like to officially welcome Amanda Zahui B., Brianna Kiesel, and Mimi Mungedi to T-Town! Congrats ladies.
— Skylar Diggins (@SkyDigg4) April 17, 2015
Mungedi, who is described as a player needing to improve her offensive skills, became the highest Wolf Pack player selected in the WNBA draft.
The Gabonese made history by becoming Nevada's all-time leader in blocked shots (162 career blocks).
She had tryouts with four WNBA teams before the draft and realised the difference between college and professional basketball.
"I realise the next level is no joke," Mungedi said.
"[Playing in the WNBA] It's always been in the back of my mind. It's always been in my mind. I know in my head I can make it. I know it. But I also know it's going to be a lot of work on my part. I have to work way more."
Congrats to Senior Mimi Mungedi for being pick #25 in the @WNBA Draft to the @TulsaShock! #PackPride #WNBADraft2015 pic.twitter.com/0x7cKNhPTj
— Nevada WBB (@NevadaHoopPack) April 17, 2015
At college, it's hard. But the next level, you cannot compare that to college. You have to be faster, stronger, quicker. Everything has to be better. - Mungedi
When Gabon ace Geraldine Robert suggested last month that her country's basketball federation should chase Gabonese players with international experience in order to boost their chances in the African Championship, she was referring to players such as Mungedi, who played college basketball with Nevada Wolf Pack.
Should Mungedi have a chance to play for the Shock this coming season, which runs from June to September, and get autorisation to represent Gabon at AfroBasket Women 2015 - which runs from 24 September to 3 October in Yaounde, Cameroon - then the Libreville native could an make an impact for her country.
Gabon, behind an MVP performance by Rober, won the qualifier ahead of Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with team-mate Tania Angue Ngoua making a significant impact.
If Mugendi brings her physical presence near the basket, then Gabon may dream high.
FIBA
