Dallas Wings point guard Jaycee Sheldon is on his way to return. ohio –This time as a member of the coaching staff.
Sheldon, one of the most decorated players in program history, has been named director of player development for the Ohio State women's basketball program. She is one of three Buckeyes to total at least 1,900 points, 400 rebounds, 350 assists, 200 steals and 150 triples in her career.
Now, after spending his rookie season in Dallas, Sheldon will begin working in player development at his alma mater.
in official statementSheldon said he is excited about the chance to start coaching.
“I'm very excited to have the opportunity to contribute to a program that has meant so much to me as a player and as a person,” Sheldon said. “As someone who has great love and respect for this university and this program, I am grateful to be able to be involved with this program beyond my playing days.”
Sheldon was selected fifth overall in the 2024 draft. WNBA He was drafted and averaged 5.4 points and 2.5 assists in his rookie season, earning him a starting spot with the Wings midway through the year.
The team's coach, Latricia Trammell, praised Sheldon as “the calm in the storm.” She breathes life into people. ”
At Ohio, Sheldon plans to use his calm, collected demeanor to coach young players. According to officials, she will work with student-athletes “on and off the court” and “work with coaching staff, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches to develop and implement comprehensive, individualized player development plans.” It's planned. press release.
Sheldon is one of the few top picks in the 2024 draft and has no plans to officially play basketball this offseason. Angel Reese (7th place), Rikea Jackson (4th place), Kate Martin (18th place) and Aaliyah Edwards (6th place) are all scheduled to play in Unrivaled this winter, while Camila Cardoso (3rd place) There are also players like ) will be playing overseas. Alyssa Pili (World No. 8) will play in Athletes Unlimited, another off-season basketball tournament in the United States Cameron Brink (No. 2) continues to rehabilitate a torn ACL, while Caitlin Clark (No. 1) has not yet decided on her offseason plans.
In addition to hiring Sheldon to spearhead player development, Ohio State has also added alumnus Katie Smith as an assistant coach. Smith has coached in the WNBA for the past 11 years, spending the past five years as an assistant with the Minnesota Lynx. A two-time WNBA champion and seven-time All-Star, Smith is also one of Ohio State's greatest former players.
“I am excited and grateful to be returning to my alma mater, The Ohio State University, and to the city that my family and I proudly call home,” Smith said. “Ohio State University and its women's basketball program have played such an important role in my life, and I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the program that helped shape me.”
Smith and Sheldon will both support head coach Kevin McGough in the 2024 season.
This is a special full-circle moment for Sheldon, who played five seasons under McGough.
