49er drafted by WNBA

After a stellar college career, Long Beach State women's basketball phenomenon Rhonda Smith's playing days are not over yet.

Smith has been drafted by the Portland Fire of the Women's National Basketball Association Tuesday.

The Fire took Smith as the 55th pick in the fourth round. The Cleveland Rockers, with the No. 1 pick overall, took 19-year-old Belgian center Ann Wauters.

Smith averaged 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds while leading the NCAA in blocks last season, with 3.5 blocks per game.

"Rhonda can be a defensive force for this team with her ability to block shots," said Fire Head Coach Linda Hargrove.

Other 49ers playing in the WNBA are Cindy Brown (Utah Starzz), Penny Moore (Washington Mystics) and Penny Toler (Los Angeles Sparks).

Portland will begin its inaugural season May 31 with an opening-night game versus the World Champion Houston Comets.