Former UT basketball star signs with Tsmoki-Minsk in Belarus

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Former Rocket standout Andola Dortch has signed a professional contract with Tsmoki-Minsk for the 2014-15 season.

“I’m extremely proud of Andola and excited for her opportunity that lies ahead,” three-time Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year Tricia Cullop said. “Her goal from the start of her collegiate career has been to play professionally. It’s great to see her dream become a reality.”

Tsmoki-Minsk is a professional basketball club based in Minsk, Belarus. The team plays in the Belarus Premier League, the VTB United League and the EuroChallenge. Tsmoki-Minsk was the champion of Belarus this past year and will participate in EuroCup next season.

Dortch wrapped up her collegiate career as one of the most decorated players in school history. The three-time All-MAC selection finished second in UT annals in career minutes played (4,160), tied for second in games played (136), third in steals (293), fifth in assists (553), sixth in free throws made (399) and free throws attempted (566), seventh in field goals attempted (1,305), and 11th in scoring (1,454).

The two-time MAC Defensive Player of the Year also sits sixth (1,131, 2011-12) and seventh (1,119, 2013-14) in school history in minutes played; eighth (88, 2012-13) and 10th (76, 2013-14) in thefts; seventh (178, 2013-14) and 10th (162, 2011-12) in helpers; and ninth in free throws attempted (193, 2011-12) and free throws made (132, 2011-12) in the Toledo single-season record book.

Dortch played a key role in helping the Rockets win 98 games (98-38 ledger) over the last four seasons (51 league wins), securing a WNIT Championship (2011), two MAC regular-season championships (2010-11, 2012-13), and three consecutive MAC West Division titles (2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13).

She will be the third UT women’s basketball player to play professionally under Cullop, joining Melissa Goodall (Italy and Spain) and Naama Shafir (Israel) on that list.