Justine Pissott was selected by the Indiana Fever with the 25th pick in the WNBA Draft April 13. The senior was the first WNBA draft pick for the Commodores since 2014.
The Toms River, New Jersey, native had a career year for the Commodores, starting in all 34 games. She averaged 29.5 minutes, 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Pissott shot 42.2% from behind the arc, leading the SEC in 3-point percentage by a wide margin. She helped lead Vanderbilt to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2009, an undefeated season at home, a Sweet 16 run, 13 SEC wins and seven ranked wins.
Pissott’s three years in the Black and Gold were marked by growth and development. As a sophomore transfer from Tennessee, she started 28 of 33 games and averaged 21.2 minutes per game. But in her junior year, she took a step back, coming off the bench and playing only 9.7 minutes per game. Throughout her career, her defense, confidence and decision making has improved considerably as she looks to take the next step in her basketball journey.
“[Vanderbilt] truly helped shape me into a stronger, more confident version of myself,” Pissott said in a statement on her Instagram. “When I walked onto this campus, I didn’t fully know who I was or what I was capable of, but through every challenge, every setback, and every small win, you helped me grow. You gave me a place to find my purpose again, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
Pissott will bring sharp shooting from behind the arc off the catch and off the dribble, a large presence on the wing, consistent defense and the ability to play alongside star players to training camp in Indianapolis.
