May 19, 2008

HOUSTON, Texas - Former Pitt standout Marcedes Walker has survived the Houston Comets' final cuts to earn a spot on a WNBA roster for the 2008 season. Walker was signed to a training camp contract with the Comets immediately following the draft and impressed coaches enough to earn an official spot and sign as a free agent.

Walker joins former Pitt player Laine Selwyn, who recently signed a contract with the Indiana Fever, as the first two Pitt players ever named to WNBA rosters. Selwyn finished her eligibility in 2003 and has been playing in Israel.

In her first preseason action with the Comets, Walker tied for leading-scorer honors with 13 points, three rebounds and an assist in just over 20 minutes against the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Walker is a two-time State Farm Coaches' All-America Regional Finalist and is Pitt's only four-time All-Big East team member. Her senior season, she broke a 29-year-old record, becoming the Pitt all-time leader in rebounds with 1,162. She is also just the second player in Pitt history to reach 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career.

Walker helped lead the Panthers to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007 and a Sweet 16 appearance as a senior in 2008. She was also named to the Big East All-Tournament team in her final season, making her the lone member of the team with her squad not represented in the title game.

You can follow both Walker and Selwyn's progress throughout the season on wnba.com.