Mystics get Ajavon

The Washington Mystics added depth to their backcourt by selecting Matee Ajavon with the second pick of Monday’s WNBA dispersal draft.

Ajavon, an all-rookie performer last season, was drafted fifth overall by the Houston Comets in April, but she became available after the franchise suspended operations last month.

“Matee solidifies a position that we need,” Mystics general manager Angela Taylor said. “She brings a lot to the table as far as her experience in winning, her competitive nature and her ability on both the offensive and defensive ends.”

The 5-foot-8 guard averaged 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 34 games last season. The Rutgers product scored in double figures in 11 games.

Taylor said Ajavon can make an immediate impact in Washington’s backcourt and that the Mystics are excited about the 22-year-old’s potential.

“You simply spend a little bit of time on the phone with Matee, and you see that she has a good eye for the game,” Taylor said. “She understands it, and she can see that there are some areas in her game that she needs to improve. And she’s willing to put forward the extra effort and extra time in the gym to get that done.”

Atlanta selected forward/center Sancho Lyttle with the first pick.