Basketball: Kalani Purcell invited to WNBA training camp

Kalani Purcell of the Tall Ferns. Photo / Getty

Kiwi basketballer Kalani Purcell will have a chance to make the WNBA.

After a stellar college career with Brigham Young University, Purcell went undrafted in the 2017 WNBA draft, but has received an invite to WNBA training camp with the Dallas Wings.

The Tall Ferns standout shone in the 2016/2017 collegiate season, being named as the Defensive Player of the Year in the West Coast Conference.

The 6'2" Hamilton-raised forward played just two seasons at BYU, yet ranks seventh all-time in college history in rebounds, and second all time in rebounds per game.

In her senior year, she ranked third in Division One college basketball in defensive rebounds per game and 16th in total rebounds per game, with 10.5 boards per game.

She also added 12.7 points on 47 per cent shooting, contributing 4.9 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game as she proved to be one of the best all-around players on the collegiate circuit.

Only one New Zealander has ever made the WNBA before, with Megan Compain playing one season for the Utah Starzz in 1997.

Last year, Purcell had identified the WNBA as a realistic goal.

"I feel pretty confident with my game that I'll be able to make it to that level of basketball and play for a few years there hopefully."

Purcell will have her work cut out to make the roster. She was passed over in the 36 picks in the WNBA draft, with the Wings having drafted five players, including three players in the first round.

The Wings currently have 18 players on their training camp roster, with 12 making the final roster when the season starts on May 13. 12 players on the Wings currently have guaranteed contracts, meaning Purcell would have to shine to secure a final roster spot.

"We look forward to Kalani joining a highly competitive training camp," Wings President Greg Bibb stated. "We are excited to open camp on April 23 with a deep and talented roster."