MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has signed free agent guard Erin Thorn. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Thorn, a 5-9 sharpshooting guard, lived up to her reputation last season with the Chicago Sky, shooting 39.5 percent from three-point range, ranking 13th in the WNBA, and 94.7 percent (18-for-19) from the free throw line. She appeared in all 34 games during the 2011 campaign, averaging 5.4 points, 2.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game.

We are excited to welcome Erin to the Minnesota Lynx organization, said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. She is a fantastic shooter and a threat to score from anywhere on the court. Erin will add some excellent depth to our backcourt this season."

Were happy to add someone of Erins experience, said Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve. Erin has been around the league for a long time and carries a strong reputation for being a heady player with leadership qualities. Additionally, Erin has tremendous versatility and can play both guard positions, which will be a valuable asset for our bench.

A nine-year veteran out of BYU, Thorn was originally drafted by the New York Liberty in the second round of the 2003 WNBA Draft. She spent the first six years of her career with the Liberty, enjoying perhaps the best season of her career in 2007 with career highs in points, assists, rebounds and minutes. Thorn spent the last three seasons with the Sky, appearing in all 102 games and shooting an impressive 40.7 percent from three-point range during that time. In her career, Thorn has averaged 5.1 points in 16.0 minutes per game.

The 2011 WNBA Champion Lynx, who own the No. 3 pick in Aprils 2012 WNBA Draft, will kick off their title defense with the team's Home Opener on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Target Center against the Phoenix Mercury on ABC. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 a game for the 17-game home season and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or visiting the Lynx website at www.lynxbasketball.com.

Contact information:

Alex King, Minnesota Lynx, (612) 673-1632, king@lynxbasketball.com

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