OSU senior guard Ameryst Alston (14) dribbles the ball during a game against Nebraska on Feb. 18 at the Schottenstein Center. Credit: Samantha Hollingshead | Photo Editor
Many dream, but only few get the opportunity to play the game they love for a living. After a successful four years stepping on the court for the Ohio State women’s basketball program, Ameryst Alston will now have the chance to do just that.
Alston, a 5-foot-9 combo guard, was selected as the No. 24 overall pick in the second round of the 2016 WNBA draft Thursday evening by the New York Liberty. With the WNBA’s season beginning June 5, Alston will move out to New York City to begin the new chapter in her basketball career.
As a Buckeye, Alston was an essential piece to the roster, immediately having an impact on the team’s success when she arrived to Columbus.
Not only did Alston help lead the Scarlet and Gray to wins, but also solidified her name in the program’s record books.
To start, Alston scored her 2,000th career point in her senior campaign, finishing as the No. 4 scorer in program history with 2,165 total points. She also ranks No. 7 in career assists with 455 and No. 3 in games played with 134.
The Canton native was recognized throughout her collegiate career at the conference and national levels. Alston was selected to the All-Big Ten freshman team her first year with OSU, honored on the All-Big Ten first team three times and earned national player of the week for the week of Feb. 15.
Alston is the first Buckeye to get drafted in the WNBA since Samantha Prahalis in 2012, who was selected as the sixth overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury.
