87ers advocate Delle Donne has sights on '16 Olympics

NEWARK, Del. - One of the most popular members of the 76ers' minor-league team, the Delaware 87ers, won't be taking the court but hopes to make an impact.

Elena Delle Donne, one of the top players in the WNBA and a Delaware resident and University of Delaware graduate, has been hired this season as an ambassador for the team, known as the Sevens.

The 6-foot-5 Delle Donne figures to be a candidate to earn a berth on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team. This is her offseason; the WNBA doesn't begin its season until the first week of June.

"They have such a great community outreach program and they have been able to share my dream and what I see, and I want to make a mark in the community," Delle Donne said.

On this night, she was greeting enthusiastic ticket-holders, who seemed thrilled to meet one of the most popular athletes in Delaware history.

The 25-year-old Delle Donne will be entering her third season with the WNBA's Chicago Sky. Last season, despite being hampered by a bulging disk in her back, she helped lead the Sky into the WNBA Finals, where they were swept in three games by the Phoenix Mercury.

"Obviously we didn't get the outcome we wanted, but to get there was awesome for the franchise," said Delle Donne, who has averaged 18 points and five rebounds in her two WNBA seasons.

A 41.1 percent three-point shooter in her first two years, Delle Donne was asked if she has taken the court with the Sevens.

"I haven't, but I just spoke to the GM about doing something, so maybe I get a few runs in with them. We'll see," she said.

Delle Donne said she will play in a Delaware men's league as a way of preparing for the WNBA season. And she clearly has her sights on the 2016 Olympics.

"That is definitely a huge goal of mine, the 2016 Rio Olympics," she said. "There are really talented players and a lot of veterans returning, but hopefully if I work hard and put together a good WNBA season, I have a good chance of making the team."