Mystics select Haynie in dispersal draft [Updated]

The Washington Mystics selected 5-8 guard Kristin Haynie with the sixth pick in the WNBA's dispersal draft of Sacramento Monarchs players, which was held via conference call today.

"We are thrilled to add a true champion like Kristin Haynie to our Mystics roster. She has been a solid back-up point guard in this league for the last several years and we feel that she complements Lindsey Harding and our perimeter nucleus," General Manager Angela Taylor said in a statement. "Her size, ability to shoot the ball, and rebounding from the guard position are nice assets to add. In addition to her successful collegiate career at Michigan State, she was part of the Monarchs championship run in 2005. We hope that she can bring that same championship mentality to DC." [Added at 10 a.m. on 12-15-2009]

Last season, Haynie averaged 3.1 points in about 11 minutes per game for the Monarchs and the Detroit Shock. She's a fourth-year player out of Michigan State.

The New York Liberty selected Nicole Powell with the first pick, the Minnesota Lynx chose Rebekkah Brunson with the second pick, the Connecticut Sun took DeMya Walker with the third selection, the Chicago Sky selected Courtney Paris fourth, and the San Antonio Silver Stars took Maryland's Laura Harper to round out the top five picks.

Any player on the Monarchs roster at the conclusion of the 2009 season was eligible for selection, including restricted free agents Kristin Haynie, Chelsea Newton and Scholanda Robinson. Unrestricted free agents Kara Lawson, Ticha Penicheiro and Hamchetou Maiga-Ba were not eligible for selection. These players, along with anyone not selected can begin negotiating with any team once the free agency period begins on Jan. 15.

The Monarchs, a perennial power in the Western Conference, folded on Nov. 20. The WNBA will begin the 2010 season with 12 teams.