| WNBA's Connecticut Sun – No. 7 | |
| Center | |
| Born | 25 June 1987 Cannes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur |
|---|---|
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Draft | 13th overall, 2007 Connecticut Sun |
| Profile | WNBA Info Page |
| WNBA Teams | |
| Connecticut Sun (2008–present) | |
| Overseas Teams | |
| US Valenciennes (2005–07) UMMC Ekaterinburg (2007–present) |
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| Awards and Honors | |
| 2009 FIBA Europe Player of the Year | |
Sandrine Gruda (born 25 June 1987, in Cannes, France) is a French professional basketball player. She currently plays the center position for the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA.
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She is the daughter of Ulysse Gruda, who played for the French men's national basketball team, and grew up on Martinique. Before joining the WNBA, Gruda played professionally for the French club Union Sportive Valenciennes Olympic. She began playing on senior level in 2002, and professionally in 2005.[1] She was voted the best European young women's player of the year 2006.[2]
Gruda was drafted 13th overall in the 2007 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. She did not join the Sun until the 2008 season. She was highly touted by head coach Mike Thibault before joining the team. During her rookie season, she provided solid bench play and with her height and length, was a consistent rebounder and shot-blocker.
She is currently playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the 2008–09 European season.[3]
Gruda is the starting center for the French national team, and led her team to the EuroBasket 2009 title. She was the best scorer and rebounder of the French side, and was voted to the all-tournament team.[4] She also took part in the World Championship 2006 and the EuroBasket 2007,[2] reaching the quarter-finals both times.
| Preceded by Maria Stepanova |
FIBA Europe Women's Player of the Year 2009 |
Succeeded by Hana Horáková |
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