RUSTON - Make it nine. That's how many former Louisiana Tech Lady Techster basketball players are now actively playing in the WNBA after a duo of Techsters were selected in Saturday's 2004 WNBA Draft.

Since the league's inception in 1997, Louisiana Tech has become known as one of the top two or three producers of WNBA talent and this year proved no different as Amisha Carter and Trina Frierson were both taken in the three-round draft held at NBA Entertainment studios in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Carter was selected by the New York Liberty with the fourth pick of the second round (17th overall) while Frierson was taken two picks later by the Seattle Storm with the sixth pick of the second round (19th overall).

Carter heads to a New York Liberty team that is suspect inside as Tari Phillips is injured and Tamika Whitmore is a free agent. Carter, the 2004 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year who averaged 16.9 points and 10.8 rebounds a game, should have the opportunity to contribute, especially with her rebounding ability and incredible athleticism.

Frierson selection by the Storm was no big surprise as former Lady Techster assistant coach Jessie Kenlaw is now an assistant with the Storm. Kenlaw coached Frierson at Tech during her freshman year in 1999-00 and was very impressed with her during the pre-draft camp held in early April.

"We were surprised and pleased to get Trina with the 19th pick," said Storm head coach Anne Donovan. "We understand that she needs a minor surgical procedure on her knee and recognize that she will not be available right away, but she will definitely be worth the wait."

Frierson averaged 16.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for the Lady Techsters this season while being one of 20 finalists for the Naismith National Player of the Year Award.

"I am very excited and overwhelmed about the opportunity to join the Storm which has so much talent with Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird," Frierson said. "Anne Donovan is a great coach for post players, and I know I can come in and learn so many things from her."

With the addition of the three newest Techsters to the WNBA, Louisiana Tech is now tied with Georgia for third place among colleges with players in the league at nine.