In a surprise move, the Washington Mystics released 12-year veteran center Chastity Melvin, along with forward Angel Robinson on Saturday.
Melvin began her career with the now defunct Cleveland Rockers before joining the Mystics in 2004. After spending three years in Washington, Melvin joined the Chicago Sky in 2007, but returned to the Mystics before the season ended. Melvin returned to the Sky in 2008, but then rejoined the Mystics for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
Melvin has career averages of 9.7 points and 5.4 rebounds and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Robinson, a 6-5 forward from Georgia, was named first team All-SEC in media and coaches pre-season balloting. Robinson joined the Mystics in March, prior to the April 11 draft, but was considered a long shot to make the team.
The Mystics now have 13 players on the roster:
Matee Ajavon – guard
Nicky Anosike – center
Alana Beard – guard
Karima Christmas – guard/forward
Marissa Coleman – guard/forward
Monique Currie – forward (will miss the season due to an ACL injury)
Victoria Dunlap – forward
Megan Frazee – forward
Ashley Houts – guard
Crystal Langhorne – forward/center
Kelly Miller – guard
Ta’Shia Phillips – center
Jasmine Thomas - guard
The Mystics will need to trim their roster by two more spots before the season begins on June 4. Final roster cuts are expected no later than June 2.
