Syracuse, N.Y. — Former Syracuse women’s basketball star Brittney Sykes was named the WNBA All-Star Game replacement for Caitlin Clark.
Clark, who has boosted the WNBA’s popularity immensely, will miss the All-Star Game because due to a groin injury suffered earlier this week.
The All-Star appearance will be the first for Sykes, who has been routinely been considered one of the best defenders in women’s basketball.
Playing in her ninth year in the WNBA, Sykes is currently in the midst or a career-year and is averaging career-highs in points (17.1) and assists (4.4). She ranks 13th in the WNBA in both categories.
She was initially considered a surprising snub for the game.
Sykes will be the first player from Syracuse to appear in the WNBA All-Star Game.
Her team, the Washington Mystics, are currently 11-11 and sitting in fourth place in the six-team Eastern Conference.
The All-Star Game will be held on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and broadcast on ABC.
During her Syracuse career, Sykes overcame a pair of knee injuries and was part of the SU team that advanced to the Final Four in 2015-16.
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