Potential No. 1 WNBA draft pick Awa Fam has signed on to also play in Project B



Potential No. 1 WNBA draft pick Awa Fam has signed on to also play in Project B — the new five-on-five basketball competition.

The young Spanish star was thrilled to be part of the fledgling organization that will play all over Europe, Asia and South America from November-April in mini 10-day stops.

“I’m really excited. Any time you get the chance to be part of something new and competitive, it’s special,” Fam wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “Project B feels like a place where the game is continuing to grow, and I’m grateful to be part of that from the beginning. What stood out to me was the vision. It’s about high-level basketball, but also about investing in players and pushing the women’s game forward. That combination made it an easy decision for me."

One of the stops on Project B's tour will be in Valencia, Spain from March 12-22, 2027 where Fam is playing currently on a Spanish League team.

“There’s a different kind of energy when you’re building something from the ground up,” Fam wrote. “It’s exciting to know we’re helping shape what this league can become for future players.”

Fam will definitely be a lottery pick in the WNBA draft on April 13 and is thrilled to play against the best players in the world.

“I’m very excited. It’s something I’ve worked toward for a long time. Finishing the season strong with Valencia is a priority of mine right now as we are in season,” Fam wrote. “I’m staying focused on the present, while continuing to work hard and improve my game every day. I’m ready for the next step and excited for what’s to come.”

By committing to Project B and the WNBA, the 19-year-old center won't have much of a break from basketball over the next 12 months. She isn't too concerned.

“It’s all about preparation and taking care of my body,” she wrote. “I’ve been playing year-round for a while now, so I understand what it takes physically and mentally. I’ll lean on my team, stay disciplined with recovery, and make sure I’m ready wherever I’m playing.”

So far about a dozen players have said they'll be playing in Project B, headlined by Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Mitchell.

Many young players from around the world are expected to play in the league as well.

“We believe there’s a global pool of talent that’s still largely untapped, and our focus is investing in that next generation by putting development at the center of everything we’re building. Awa is a perfect example of that,” Project B chief basketball officer Alana Beard told the AP. “Her work ethic, her commitment to growth, and the trust she placed early in her journey with Valencia all speak to who she is as both a player and a person.”



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A Republican lawmaker charged in an alcohol-related driving offense won’t have to appear in court again until after the Legislature adjourns for the year.

A June 10 arraignment hearing is set for Rep. Elliott Engen, a Lino Lakes Republican who faces three misdemeanor charges following an arrest early Friday. He was stopped for speeding and other infractions in White Bear Lake; officers detected alcohol and he later tested well above the legal limit for driving, according to a citation.

Engen has apologized for a lapse in judgment; he promised to learn from his actions and “do better.” Aside from being a second-term legislator, he is also a candidate for state auditor.

A second lawmaker, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson, was in Engen’s truck at the time of the stop and an open bottle of alcohol was found in a rear seat. Hudson, a second-term legislator from Albertville, was in possession of a permitted handgun, which could cause him legal problems if he is determined to have been intoxicated.

Police officers wrote in their report that Hudson disclosed he had the gun as the truck was being searched. The report said police took the firearm for safekeeping and said he could pick it up at a later time, which Hudson agreed to.

“I regret the poor decisions that were made during this incident, and commend the White Bear Police Department for their professional response,” Hudson said in a written statement. “I’m grateful that no harm was done to ourselves and others.”

Two lawmakers stand and look around
Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville, (center) and Rep. Bidal Duran, R-Bemidji, (right) join other Republican lawmakers gather in the House chambers Jan. 27, 2025.
Tim Evans for MPR News file

A third, unidentified passenger was in the truck as well, according to police. Hudson and that person were transferred to the police department until they could arrange rides.

The Minnesota lawmakers had been at the Capitol late into the evening Thursday as the House debated procedural motions on gun, immigration and social media legislation. The motions failed on 67-67 votes.

There is no indication yet that either Hudson nor Engen had been drinking on Capitol grounds, which would be a violation of a House rule against consumption of alcohol or drugs in spaces under that chamber’s control.

According to a White Bear Lake Police report, Engen initially said he had not been drinking when asked by the police officer who pulled him over — “nothing at all,” he is quoted as saying. He performed a field sobriety test, which the report says showed signs of impairment.

Engen gave a preliminary breath sample there, the report says, which estimated a 0.142 blood alcohol level. After he was taken by squad car to the police department “Engen spontaneously stated, ‘Sir, I had a drink three hours ago,’” the report says.

He told the Minnesota Star Tribune in an interview Monday that he had also consumed alcohol in the afternoon on Thursday as well.

Engen is charged with two impaired driving offenses and speeding. White Bear Lake police also said he was driving a vehicle with expired registration and an inoperable headlight.

Engen has not returned calls from MPR News. A court docket lists a “notice of appearance” on Tuesday.

He is being represented in the criminal case by Chris Madel, an Excelsior attorney who waged a brief Republican campaign for governor.



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