Getting drafted into the WNBA is an honor that stands out by itself. Having your first phone call shortly after being drafted be with Earvin “Magic” Johnson had to have made the experience all the more priceless.
At the WNBA Draft, Wiese was chosen with the 11th overall pick to the Los Angeles Sparks. Wiese, out of Oregon State, was one of the ten players the WNBA had invited to attend the draft at the Samsung 837 building in New York City.
Shortly after the pick—she got a phone call from the basketball great and current Sparks owner.
I recognized his voice right away. He said, ‘Is this Sydney Wiese?’ and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’
–Sydney Wiese
It was like the same emotion I had when I got drafted. Because I grew up—my dad would always be watching Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson clips. And so, I’d be on the couch in awe watching him play.
Her coach at Oregon State, Scott Rueck, wanted the phone call to be a surprise, but it almost did not happen due to a low phone charger. Thankfully, for Wiese and Rueck, said call did occur.
(Original Story: KPHO-TV CBS 5 Phoenix)
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
