Candace Parker had a spectactular regualr-season rookie debut for the Los Angeles Sparks, scoring 34 points on May 17, 2008. She also had 12 rebounds and 8 assists - only two short of a triple-double.

Parker attended Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois and graduated in 2004. She led her high school basketball team to state titles in 2003 and 2004, collecting various awards on the way.

Knee Injuries

The summer after her junior year in high school, Parker tore the ACL in her left knee in a summer league game. She returned in December of her senior year.

Parker made sports history in March 2004 by winning the High School All-American Game Slam Dunk contest. She beat five male competitors for the title.

Tennessee Lady Volunteers

In August of that year, Parker injured her knee again, and had surgery once more, causing her to redshirt her first year in college for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers.

Parker played three years for the Lady Vols, leading them to the NCAA championship in 2007 and 2008. Although she was eligible to play another year for the Lady Vols, she was academically a senior, and elected to graduate with her class, and move into the WNBA.

WNBA

Parker was the #1 pick in the draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, where she joined fellow Lady Vols alumnus Sydney Spencer, and Sparks star Lisa Leslie.