Catchings Named WNBA’s DPOY

Via WNBA press release: “Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings was named the recipient of the 2010 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, the WNBA announced today.  Catchings wins her first Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award after collecting 10 out of 38 votes from a panel of national and local sportswriters and broadcasters.  Catchings edged out Tulsa Shock guard Shanna Crossley, who received five votes, and New York Liberty center Taj McWilliams-Franklin, who received four votes.

Designed to honor a player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court – ethical behavior, fair play and integrity – the award is named for the late Kim Perrot, who helped guide the Houston Comets to their first two WNBA championships before passing away in August, 1999, after a seven-month battle with cancer.

While being recognized for her charitable work off the court, the ninth-year pro is also having one of the most successful seasons of her career on the court.  Named today as the 2010 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, an honor she earned for a record fourth time, Catchings averaged 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, a league-leading 2.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks during the regular season.  A six-time WNBA All-Star, member of the WNBA’s All-Decade Team, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, the University of Tennessee product has led the Fever back to the WNBA Playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.