Sky agrees to multiyear deal with Young

The Chicago Sky re-signed forward Tamera Young to a multiyear deal, head coach and general manager Pokey Chatman announced Monday.

“Tamera’s a fearless player that simply refuses to get outworked. So much of her positive effect on the game rarely shows up on the stat sheet but is truly invaluable,” Chatman said. “I think her desire to improve her all-around game will serve us well. I’m looking forward to having her back.”

The 6-foot-2 Young, one of the team’s top defenders, finished the 2012 season with 1,069 career points, becoming only the sixth Sky player to pass the 1,000-point mark. She averaged 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists during 33 game appearances. Young also posted career highs in games played and minutes per game (24.4).

“I am looking forward to continuing my career as a part of the Chicago Sky,” Young said. “I think I have only scratched the surface of what I am capable of in the WNBA.”

Young set the CAA and school scoring record (2,121) while at James Madison University. She is also the first James Madison player to enter the WNBA. The Atlanta Dream selected Young eighth overall in the first round of the 2008 draft. In August 2009, Young joined the Chicago Sky in exchange for Arminitie Price.