Who is Kelsey Pryor? Kelsey Pryor is an American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Dream of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Born on January 19, 1995, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Kelsey Pryor played college basketball for the University of Notre Dame, where she was a two-time All-American and helped the Fighting Irish win the 2018 NCAA championship. She was selected 15th overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2018 WNBA Draft and has since played for the Wings, the Indiana Fever, and now the Atlanta Dream.
Pryor is a versatile guard known for her shooting ability, ball-handling skills, and defensive prowess. She has averaged 9.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in her WNBA career.
|Personal Details|Information||---|---||Full Name|Kelsey Elizabeth Pryor||Birth Date|January 19, 1995||Birth Place|Indianapolis, Indiana||Height|5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)||Position|Guard||College|University of Notre Dame||WNBA Draft|15th overall by the Dallas Wings (2018)||Current Team|Atlanta Dream|
Pryor has also represented the United States on the international stage, winning a gold medal with the U19 team at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship and a bronze medal with the U23 team at the 2016 FIBA U23 World Championship.
Kelsey Pryor
Kelsey Pryor is an American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Dream of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Born on January 19, 1995, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Pryor played college basketball for the University of Notre Dame, where she was a two-time All-American and helped the Fighting Irish win the 2018 NCAA championship. She was selected 15th overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2018 WNBA Draft.
- Guard: Pryor primarily plays the guard position for the Atlanta Dream.
- Shooting: She is known for her shooting ability, averaging 9.1 points per game in her WNBA career.
- Ball-handling: Pryor is a skilled ball-handler, able to create scoring opportunities for herself and others.
- Defense: She is also a strong defender, averaging 2.9 assists per game.
- Notre Dame: Pryor played college basketball for the University of Notre Dame, where she won an NCAA championship in 2018.
- WNBA Draft: She was selected 15th overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2018 WNBA Draft.
- Atlanta Dream: Pryor currently plays for the Atlanta Dream, having previously played for the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever.
- USA Basketball: Pryor has represented the United States on the international stage, winning gold at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship and bronze at the 2016 FIBA U23 World Championship.
These key aspects highlight Kelsey Pryor's skills, accomplishments, and career trajectory as a professional basketball player. Her shooting ability, ball-handling skills, and defensive prowess make her a valuable asset to any team. Her success at the collegiate and international levels is a testament to her talent and hard work. As she continues her WNBA career, Pryor is poised to make even greater contributions to the Atlanta Dream and the league as a whole.
1. Guard
Kelsey Pryor's primary position on the Atlanta Dream is guard, a crucial role in basketball responsible for facilitating offense, directing plays, and defending against opposing guards. As a guard, Pryor exhibits exceptional ball-handling skills, court vision, and defensive abilities.
- Facilitating Offense: As a guard, Pryor is responsible for setting up scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her ability to create plays, penetrate the defense, and dish out assists makes her a key offensive contributor.
- Directing Plays: Guards often serve as the extension of the coach on the court, calling plays and directing their teammates' movements. Pryor's leadership and decision-making skills are essential in ensuring the team's success.
- Defending Against Opposing Guards: On the defensive end, Pryor uses her quickness, agility, and anticipation to guard against opposing guards. Her ability to stay in front of her opponent, force turnovers, and contest shots contributes to the team's defensive efforts.
Overall, Kelsey Pryor's role as a guard for the Atlanta Dream highlights her versatility, skillset, and importance to the team's overall performance. Her ability to excel in multiple facets of the game makes her a valuable asset to the Dream and a key contributor to their success.
2. Shooting
Kelsey Pryor's shooting ability is a cornerstone of her success as a professional basketball player. Her prowess as a shooter has significantly contributed to her career accomplishments and the success of the teams she has played for.
Pryor's shooting prowess is evident in her impressive statistics. Throughout her WNBA career, she has averaged 9.1 points per game, demonstrating her consistency and effectiveness as a scorer. Her ability to knock down shots from various ranges, including beyond the three-point line, makes her a dangerous offensive threat.
Beyond her individual statistics, Pryor's shooting ability has played a vital role in the success of her teams. Her ability to stretch the defense and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates has been instrumental in driving team victories.
Furthermore, Pryor's shooting ability has earned her recognition and accolades. She has been named to the WNBA All-Star team and has competed internationally with the United States national team, showcasing her shooting skills on the global stage.
In summary, Kelsey Pryor's shooting ability is a defining aspect of her game. Her ability to score consistently and efficiently has made her a valuable asset to her teams and has propelled her to success at the highest levels of basketball.
3. Ball-handling
Kelsey Pryor's ball-handling skills are a crucial aspect of her game, contributing to her effectiveness as a guard and her overall impact on the court.
- Control and Precision: Pryor's ball-handling ability allows her to maintain control and precision in various game situations. She can dribble the ball with ease, change directions quickly, and execute complex moves to create scoring opportunities.
- Court Vision: Her exceptional court vision enables her to see the entire court and anticipate the movements of her opponents and teammates. This allows her to make quick decisions and deliver accurate passes to open teammates.
- Attacking the Basket: Pryor's ball-handling skills allow her to attack the basket effectively. She can use her dribbling ability to penetrate the defense, create space, and finish at the rim or draw fouls.
- Creating Scoring Chances: Pryor's ball-handling prowess enables her to create scoring chances for herself and others. She can use her dribbling moves to get past defenders, open up passing lanes, and set up teammates for easy shots.
In summary, Kelsey Pryor's ball-handling skills are a vital part of her success as a basketball player. Her ability to control the ball, make quick decisions, and create scoring opportunities make her a valuable asset to her team and a formidable opponent on the court.
4. Defense
Kelsey Pryor's defensive prowess is an integral aspect of her skillset and contributes significantly to her overall value as a basketball player.
Pryor's defensive abilities are evident in her ability to guard multiple positions effectively. Her quickness, agility, and anticipation allow her to stay in front of her opponents, disrupt passing lanes, and force turnovers. Her defensive contributions are reflected in her impressive defensive statistics, including a career average of 2.9 assists per game.
Beyond her individual defensive statistics, Pryor's defensive contributions extend to the team's overall performance. Her ability to shut down opposing guards and create turnovers helps her team gain possession of the ball and transition into offensive opportunities. Additionally, her defensive presence helps set the tone for her team's defensive intensity and effort.
In summary, Kelsey Pryor's defensive abilities are a key component of her success as a basketball player. Her ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and force turnovers makes her a valuable asset to her team and contributes to her overall impact on the court.
5. Notre Dame
Kelsey Pryor's collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame played a pivotal role in her development as a basketball player and her subsequent success in the WNBA.
During her time at Notre Dame, Pryor showcased her exceptional skills and leadership qualities. She was a key contributor to the Fighting Irish's success, helping the team win the NCAA championship in 2018. Her outstanding performances earned her numerous accolades, including being named an All-American and ACC Player of the Year.
The competitive environment and high-level coaching at Notre Dame provided Pryor with the ideal platform to hone her skills. She benefited from the guidance of renowned coach Muffet McGraw, who helped her refine her game and prepare for the challenges of professional basketball.
The NCAA championship victory in 2018 was a crowning achievement for Pryor and the culmination of her hard work and dedication. It showcased her ability to perform under pressure and make significant contributions to team success.
Overall, Kelsey Pryor's experience at Notre Dame was instrumental in shaping her as a player and preparing her for a successful career in the WNBA. The university provided her with a supportive and challenging environment that allowed her to develop her skills, build confidence, and achieve her athletic goals.
6. WNBA Draft
The 2018 WNBA Draft marked a significant milestone in Kelsey Pryor's basketball career. Being selected 15th overall by the Dallas Wings was a testament to her exceptional skills and potential.
The WNBA Draft is an annual event where teams in the Women's National Basketball Association select eligible college players to join their rosters. For players like Pryor, it represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and the opportunity to embark on a professional basketball career.
Pryor's selection by the Dallas Wings provided her with a platform to showcase her talents at the highest level of women's basketball. It also marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, as she transitioned from college to the professional ranks.
Since joining the WNBA, Pryor has continued to grow and develop as a player. She has become a valuable contributor to her team, averaging 9.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game throughout her career.
Pryor's success in the WNBA is a testament to her hard work, determination, and the foundation she built during her collegiate career at Notre Dame. The WNBA Draft played a pivotal role in her journey, providing her with the opportunity to pursue her professional aspirations and showcase her skills on a national stage.
7. Atlanta Dream
The connection between Kelsey Pryor and the Atlanta Dream is significant in understanding her career trajectory and current standing in the WNBA. Pryor's journey through multiple teams, including the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever, has shaped her as a player and contributed to her growth and development.
Pryor's time with the Dallas Wings, where she was drafted in 2018, provided her with the opportunity to establish herself in the WNBA. She spent three seasons with the Wings, averaging 7.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. During her tenure in Dallas, Pryor showcased her skills as a versatile guard, contributing in various aspects of the game.
In 2021, Pryor joined the Indiana Fever, where she played for two seasons. During her time with the Fever, she took on a more prominent role, averaging 10.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Pryor's leadership and experience were instrumental in guiding the Fever, and she became a key player within the team.
In 2023, Pryor signed with the Atlanta Dream, marking a new chapter in her career. Her decision to join the Dream was influenced by the team's commitment to building a competitive roster and the opportunity to play alongside talented players such as Rhyne Howard and Tiffany Hayes. Pryor's presence adds depth and experience to the Dream's backcourt, and she is expected to make significant contributions to the team's success.
Overall, Kelsey Pryor's journey through multiple WNBA teams, including the Atlanta Dream, highlights her adaptability, versatility, and dedication to the sport. Her experiences with different teams have allowed her to develop her skills, embrace new challenges, and showcase her leadership abilities.
8. USA Basketball
Kelsey Pryor's involvement with USA Basketball is a testament to her exceptional skills and recognition as a top-tier basketball player. Representing one's country on the international stage is a prestigious honor, and Pryor's achievements with the U19 and U23 teams highlight her ability to compete at the highest level.
- International Experience and Recognition: Pryor's participation in international competitions has provided her with invaluable experience against top players from around the world. Competing on the global stage has helped her develop her skills, expand her knowledge of the game, and showcase her abilities to a wider audience.
- Team Success and Contributions: Pryor's contributions to the success of the U19 and U23 teams are a testament to her teamwork and dedication. Her ability to adapt to different team dynamics and play styles has been instrumental in the teams' achievements, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as a player.
- National Pride and Representation: Representing the United States on the international stage is a source of pride and honor for Pryor. Wearing the national colors and competing for her country has undoubtedly been a memorable and rewarding experience, inspiring her to perform at her best.
- Platform for Growth and Development: Participating in international competitions has provided Pryor with a platform for growth and development as a player. Facing different playing styles and top-level competition has helped her refine her skills, improve her decision-making, and enhance her overall game.
In conclusion, Kelsey Pryor's involvement with USA Basketball has been a significant aspect of her basketball career, contributing to her development as a player, showcasing her skills on a global stage, and bringing honor to her country. Her achievements with the U19 and U23 teams are a testament to her talent, dedication, and passion for the sport.
Kelsey Pryor FAQs
This section addresses frequently asked questions about Kelsey Pryor, providing informative answers to common concerns or misconceptions.
Question 1: What is Kelsey Pryor's playing style?
Kelsey Pryor is a versatile guard known for her shooting ability, ball-handling skills, and defensive prowess. She is a consistent scorer, averaging 9.1 points per game in her WNBA career, and is also a skilled passer and rebounder.
Question 2: Which teams has Kelsey Pryor played for in the WNBA?
Pryor has played for three teams in the WNBA: the Dallas Wings, Indiana Fever, and currently the Atlanta Dream. She was drafted by the Wings in 2018 and played for them for three seasons before joining the Fever in 2021. In 2023, she signed with the Dream.
Question 3: What are Kelsey Pryor's accomplishments at the international level?
Pryor has represented the United States on the international stage, winning a gold medal with the U19 team at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship and a bronze medal with the U23 team at the 2016 FIBA U23 World Championship.
Question 4: What is Kelsey Pryor's role on the Atlanta Dream?
Pryor plays the guard position for the Atlanta Dream. She is a primary scorer for the team, averaging 10.8 points per game in 2023. She also contributes with her ball-handling skills, averaging 3.7 assists per game, and her defensive abilities, averaging 2.8 rebounds per game.
Question 5: What are Kelsey Pryor's career aspirations?
Pryor aims to continue her successful WNBA career and contribute to the success of the Atlanta Dream. She aspires to win a WNBA championship and represent the United States in the Olympics. Additionally, she is passionate about using her platform to inspire young athletes and promote the growth of women's basketball.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Kelsey Pryor's playing style, career, and aspirations, offering insights into her journey as a professional basketball player.
Transition to the next article section:
Kelsey Pryor's journey in the WNBA is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. Her versatility, leadership, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to any team. As she continues her career, Pryor is poised to achieve even greater success and inspire generations of basketball players.
Conclusion
Kelsey Pryor's journey in the WNBA exemplifies the power of perseverance, dedication, and unwavering passion for the sport. Her versatility, leadership, and commitment to excellence have made her a formidable player and a valuable asset to every team she has played for.
Throughout her career, Pryor has consistently showcased her exceptional skills, averaging 9.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Her ability to shoot, handle the ball, and defend at a high level makes her a complete player who can impact the game in multiple ways.
As Pryor continues her WNBA career, she is poised to achieve even greater success. Her experience, leadership, and unwavering determination will undoubtedly lead her to new heights. She is an inspiration to young athletes and a role model for anyone who aspires to achieve their dreams through hard work and dedication.
Kelsey Pryor's legacy in the WNBA will extend beyond her individual accomplishments. Her commitment to the sport and her passion for inspiring others will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the game and on future generations of basketball players.