Sky re-signs veteran Sharp

The Chicago Sky has signed former Tennessee forward Shyra Ely to a two-year contract through the 2010 season, and re-signed guard KB Sharp as well.

Sky head coach and general manager Steven Key said Ely, a 6-foot-2 restricted free agent, would be a valuable swing player for his team. Ely played in all 34 games of the 2008 season with the Seattle Storm, and averaged 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. She had a career high 16 points in a game against Los Angeles.

"She will bring not just experience, but playoff experience," Key said. "She is coming from the Seattle Storm and San Antonio Silver Stars, both of which are winning programs where she gained valuable knowledge from some of the best players in the league."

Sharp was acquired by the Sky through an off-season trade with the Indiana Fever during last off-season. She played in all 34 games of the 2008 season including her first career start on July 6th against the Shock in Detroit and averaged 3.1 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 rebounds per game.

Key said Ely can play both small forward and power forward positions. Ely was drafted by the San Antonio Silver Stars in the second round (14th overall) of the 2005 WNBA Draft. She played in 31 games and started 11 games averaging 4.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game in her rookie season.

Ely had a standout college career at Tennessee, shooting .478 from the field along with 12 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Ely was named 2004 Kodak All-American, 2004 NCAA All-Midwest Regional Team, 2005 AP All-American Honorable Mention selection, All-SEC First Team, and SEC Tournament MVP. Her 1,673 career points rank ninth on the Lady Vols all-time scoring list and 940 career rebounds is the sixth best in Tennessee history.