MSU’s Jessika Carter picked by New York Liberty

Credit: Mississippi State Athletics

Mississippi State women’s basketball center Jessika Carter was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the Second Round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty on Monday night.

Carter is the ninth overall MSU player to be drafted to the WNBA and the first under head coach Sam Purcell at Mississippi State. She is the first player since both Teaira McCowan and Anriel Howard in 2019 to be drafted from Mississippi State since 2019.

“Our fan base and staff have known for years that Jessika Carter is a pro,’ said Purcell. “The New York Liberty are not only getting a great player, but a phenomenal person and role model. From her dominance on the court to the way she attacks everyday, there is no doubt that her best basketball is ahead of her and we are excited to watch how she will continue to leave her mark in the league.”

A three-time All-SEC selection, Carter earned 2024 WBCA Honorable Mention All-America honors after she maintained a near double-double average with career-best marks in points, rebounds and minutes. She averaged 14.9 points on 52.8 percent from the field with 9.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 31.4 minutes per contest to earn 2024 Second Team All-SEC honors.

Her field-goal percentage ranked second, rebounds were fifth, blocks were sixth and points were 12th among conference players. 

Carter was named SEC Player of the Week twice this season – one of six players with multiple selections. She scored 10-plus points in 25 contests and recorded five 20-plus point and 10-plus rebound efforts this season. 



She recorded 13 double-doubles this season – which surpassed her previous season-best total of 10 – and stood as one of six players in the conference to reach the double-digit mark. Her 41 career double-doubles finished third in program history. The program’s all-time career leader in games played,

Carter became one of three players – Teaira McCowan and LaToya Thomas – in program history to surpass 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds. 

Her 1,750 career points ranks sixth, while her 1,120 rebounds are second and 238 blocks are third in the program record books.

Carter now heads to New York to take part in training camp which is set to start on April 28.