'Delay is not denial' - Abia Born D'Tigress superstar Ezinne Kalu Joins WNBA’s Atlanta Dream on Hardship Contract
Abia-born Nigerian basketball sensation and D’Tigress star, Ezinne Kalu , has made her long-anticipated entry into the WNBA , signing a seven-day hardship contract with the **Atlanta Dream**. This marks a significant moment in her career following her outstanding performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Kalu, a key player in Nigeria’s D’Tigress historic run to the quarterfinals at the Olympics, took to social media to express her excitement about this opportunity. In a heartfelt post on her X (formerly Twitter) account, she wrote, "Delayed does not mean Denied," reflecting on her long journey to the WNBA.
The Atlanta Dream’s official website emphasized Kalu’s experience and capabilities as the driving forces behind the decision to bring her onboard. "The 5'8" guard brings a wealth of international experience to the Dream," the club said in a statement, highlighting her exceptional skills on the court.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics , Kalu averaged an impressive 18.5 points per game , placing her fourth among the tournament’s top scorers, just behind basketball stars like Emma Meesseman (Belgium), A'ja Wilson (USA) , and Satou Sabally (Germany). Her standout performance for D’Tigress was most notable in their shocking victory over Australia, where she contributed **19 points, five assists, five rebounds, and three steals**.
For her efforts, Kalu earned a spot on the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Second Team, solidifying her reputation as one of the top players in the competition. This Olympic achievement undoubtedly influenced the Atlanta Dream’s decision to sign her, as the team looks to strengthen its roster with top talent.
Though born in Newark, New Jersey, Kalu has close ties to Georgia, having attended Savannah State University. During her college career, she made history by leading the **Tigers** to their first MEAC Championship in 2015 and becoming the first player in the school’s history to score over 2,000 career points .
Kalu's signing comes under a seven-day hardship contract, a provision that allows WNBA teams to temporarily sign players when multiple roster members are unavailable due to injury, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. With this opportunity, the Nigerian star will have the chance to prove her mettle on one of basketball's biggest stages, as fans worldwide watch eagerly to see if she can translate her international success to the WNBA.
Kalu’s addition is not just a proud moment for Nigeria, but also for the Abia State, as the Abia-born athlete continues to inspire basketball enthusiasts both locally and globally.
