Phillips Drafted By San Antonio

BASKETBALL

Porsha Phillips, a consensus first-team All-SEC performer for the Lady Dawgs during the 2010-11 season, was drafted by the San Antonio Silver Stars in the third round of the WNBA Draft today.

Phillips, a 6-1, forward, was the No. 30 overall selection. She watched the show at her home in Stone Mountain, Georgia, with her parents, James and Lue, and her brother Jamil. Her other brothers, professional baseball players Brandon and P.J., also were on the phone with the family.

"It's a dream come true," Phillips said. "I was just trying to be patient, have faith in God that I would be drafted and just wanted my name to show up. I was so excited. I actually got a call from head coach Dan Hughes before my name was announced on TV and he said 'Welcome to the Silver Stars.'

"I think I had a good college career, especially as a senior, and it was a lot of hard work," Phillips added. "I still think I have room to grow as a player and I'm excited about that challenge."

Phillips led the SEC in both rebounding and free throw percentage during the 2010-11 campaign. She also became the first Georgia player to average a double-double (10.8 ppg, 10.7 rpg) in nearly a quarter-century, since Katrina McClain did so in 1986-87 en route to winning National Player of the Year honors. Phillips grabbed 365 rebounds as a senior, the fifth-best effort in Lady Dawg history.

"Playing basketball professionally is a goal Porsha worked very hard to achieve," Andy Landers said. "I'm happy and excited that she'll have the opportunity to play at the next level."

With Phillips' selection, 13 Lady Dawgs have been chosen in the last 11 editions of the WNBA Draft, including eight first-rounder's. Twenty-one Georgia players have gone on to play in the league since its inception in 1997, including six during the 2010 campaign. All told, 34 Lady Dawgs have played professionally either in the U.S., Asia, Europe or South America.

Sturdivant Tears Right ACL

FOOTBALL

Senior left tackle Trinton Sturdivant suffered the third major knee injury of his career during Saturday’s scrimmage at Sanford Stadium.

Director of sports medicine Ron Courson confirmed the injury and said that Sturdivant will undergo surgery sometime this week to repair the knee.

Sturdivant started 13 games his freshman season at left tackle and made the All SEC Freshman Team, he missed the 2008 season following a torn ACL in his left knee during fall camp.

In the 2009 season opener against Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Sturdivant tore the ACL in his left knee a second time. On that play, Sturdivant was in an open area of the field and the knee just seemed to buckle under him. It was repaired using a different surgical technique the second time and has not been an issue since.

Sturdivant is a fifth year senior and would likely be granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA if he applies. That decision may not come until next spring since rehab on an ACL is normally at least a year. Following the second injury, Coach Richt said that the mental aspect of a long rehab is more difficult than the physical requirements.

Sturdivant has shown the mental strength to overcome two serious injuries, he will be challenged again.

Dawgs Hold Second Scrimmage Of Spring

FOOTBALL

The Dawgs held their second scrimmage of the spring at Sanford Stadium on Saturday just one week prior to the annual G-Day game.

The offense recorded five touchdowns on the day, all coming through the air, as Michael Bennett, Tavarres King, Orson Charles, Marlon Brown and Taylor Bradberry all caught touchdown passes. Brown and freshman tailback Brandon Harton led the team with four catches apiece. Bennett had 94 receiving yards including a 66-yard touchdown strike from Christian LeMay, and King had three grabs for 77 yards with a 45-yard touchdown reception.

Hutson Mason threw three of the touchdown passes, while Aaron Murray and LeMay threw one each. Mason went 12-of-19 for 192 yards, while Murray was 11-of-16 for 125 yards.

“The guys protected pretty well, and we threw and caught the ball well,” said coach Mark Richt. “The receivers are guys who will be able to make plays. Time will tell as to how well they will do in games, but I’ve seen enough receivers over the years to know that these guys can run the routes, get off jams, catch the ball, and block. I think they’ll be all right.”

Carlton Thomas led all rushers with 26 yards on eight carries. 

Shaun Williams and Richard Samuel each had seven tackles to pace the defense. Brandon Burrows had six tackles, including two sacks, and Williams and Chase Vasser each had an interception. 

“My goal this spring was to make sure that we are a physical football team and we are a team that is going to get after it every time we put the pads on,” Richt said. “I’ve seen that. They have really competed well and practiced hard. I just think everybody is getting after it.”

Georgia will practice three times next week before it wraps up spring drills Saturday, April 16, at 1 p.m. with the annual G-Day Game at Sanford Stadium. Richt noted that the UGA players will draft the teams for this year’s G-Day Game.

Dawgs Prepare For Saturday Scrimmage

FOOTBALL

With temperatures in the 70s and clear skies with a light breeze blowing, the Dawgs practiced for 90 minutes on Thursday during its second session of the week.

Georgia has four practices remaining before the annual G-Day spring game arrives on Saturday, April 16.

“The defense won today, but I thought it was still a pretty spirited practice from both sides,” said coach Mark Richt. “The guys are starting to get tired out there with this being the tenth practice. But hopefully they will get revived on Friday and then be ready for the scrimmage on Saturday. I really appreciate the effort the coaches and staff have put out this spring. They have worked as hard as they can every day.”

In addition to the regular staff that accompanies the Dawgs during each practice at the Woodruff Practice Field, approximately 150 more guests were in attendance on Tuesday. Richt and his staff hosted their yearly University of Georgia faculty and staff appreciate day.

The group was invited to watch a portion of practice before getting to visit with the players they work with following the practice. The faculty and staff then got a tour of the new expansion at Butts-Mehre before sharing a meal with the coaching staff.

“This is our opportunity to tell the faculty how much we appreciate them and just thanks for all that they do,” Richt said. “So many people cooperate together to help get the job done with our players. We monitor our players the best we can, but many outside people are gracious enough to help us. We mostly get good reports and if someone gets going sideways, we like to know about it and get them back on track. Another key element of this is that the faculty gets to see what our guys go through day in and day out and understand more about the rigors that they go through playing football.”

The Dawgs return for a scrimmage at Sanford Stadium on Saturday morning.

Spring Practice Update

FOOTBALL

The Georgia offense won three of five head-to-head competitions with their defensive teammates during Tuesday's spring practice at the Woodruff Practice Fields. The Dawgs worked out for just over two hours in full pads.

"It was a very spirited practice today," head coach Mark Richt said. "We had a great, great day. The offense won the day for the first time this spring.

The offense won three of five competitions but the competition was very, very good and very, very close. The first three drills were decided on the final play."

Center Ben Jones was pleased that his side of the ball rallied after a decisive defeat a week ago.

"We were excited that we were able to come out and win today," Jones said.

"Last Tuesday, I think we were zero for six. No one likes to lose. I know Orson Charles got after it and really got the offense fired up to compete today. We won drills, but the competition was great. It's hard to win those drills. Some times you have to get eight yards on a third and eight and when you do, it gets everyone very excited."

Tuesday's practice was the ninth of 14 sessions before the annual G-Day spring game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, April 16 at 1 p.m. The Dawgs will have an off day on Wednesday before returning to workouts on Thursday.