THE FLATS – Georgia Tech forward Lorela Cubaj heard her named called Monday night, as she was selected by the Seattle Storm in the second round (No. 18 overall pick) of the 2022 WNBA Draft. The Seattle Storm immediately traded her draft rights to the New York Liberty.
Cubaj becomes the ninth overall Yellow Jacket selected in the WNBA Draft and first since Tyaunna Marshall in 2014.
Helping Georgia Tech to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022, Cubaj averaged a double-double this past season behind 11.1 rebounds and 10.0 points per game. She led the ACC in rebounding all season and ranked consistently in the top-20 nationally in rebounds per game. In December, Cubaj broke the Georgia Tech women’s basketball all-time record for career rebounds.
A two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Cubaj recorded 12 double-doubles this season and started all 32 games. In addition to leading Tech in rebounding, she also led the Jackets in assists (136), steals (44) and blocks (41). Her 4.25 assists per game average was good enough to rank third in the ACC, making her the only post player to lead their team in assists.
Cubaj is a two-time all-ACC first team selection and all-defensive team honoree. She was named the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Women’s College Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022. For the second straight year, Cubaj was tabbed WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches’ All-America honorable mention. Additionally, Cubaj was one of four finalists for the 2022 Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year Award.
During her time on The Flats, Cubaj finished her collegiate career with 1,293 career points and 1,265 career rebounds. She started 149 games and appeared in 153 (a program best), while averaging a double-double the last two seasons.
Alexander-Tharpe Fund
The Alexander-Tharpe Fund is the fundraising arm of Georgia Tech athletics, providing scholarship, operations and facilities support for Georgia Tech’s 400-plus student-athletes. Be a part of developing Georgia Tech’s Everyday Champions and helping the Yellow Jackets compete for championships at the highest levels of college athletics by supporting the Annual Athletic Scholarship Fund, which directly provides scholarships for Georgia Tech student-athletes. To learn more about supporting the Yellow Jackets, visit atfund.org.
For the latest information on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, follow us on Twitter (@GTWBB), Instagram (GTWBB), Facebook (Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball) or visit us at www.ramblinwreck.com.
