Sky sign Stella Johnson to replace Sydney Colson, who tested positive for COVID-19

With Sydney Colson out indefinitely after testing positive for the coronavirus last week, the Sky signed former Rider University star Stella Johnson to serve as her replacement, the team said Monday.

Johnson became the first Rider player selected in the WNBA Draft this year when the Mercury picked her 29th overall, but they waived her in May when teams were forced to make cuts without holding a training camp.

The 5-10 guard shot 47% from the field and 32.9% from three-point range last season, when she led the NCAA with 24.8 points per game. Johnson is also a strong defender. In fact, she originally was recruited by the Broncs for her defense.

“Defensively, she’s always a step ahead,” Rider coach Lynn Milligan said. “Her anticipation skills are excellent, and her positioning is excellent. [If you’re within the] three-foot radius around her, you’re not getting by her, and she’s not afraid to take that hit.”

“We really liked that she is a physical guard who can give us some depth at the point guard and off-guard positions,” Sky general manager James Wade said.

Colson’s positive test, which she announced in a tweet Saturday, means she won’t be able to travel to Bradenton, Florida, where the shortened WNBA season is scheduled to take place, until she has two negative test results.

Sky players returned to Chicago over the last week to undergo physicals and start individual and small-group workouts.