Friday was Mystics center Stefanie Dolson's 24th birthday. Plenty of people -- including us -- gave a Happy Birthday shout out to her.
Dolson, unfortunately wasn't able to celebrate with her friends and family back home in the United States. She is in Turkey, where she plays for Edirnespor in the KBSL and FIBA EuroCup.
Though her family wasn't there, one of her Mystics teammates, Ivory Latta also plays for Edirnespor. Mystics General Manager and Head Coach Mike Thibault also made the trip to Turkey as well, along with his son, Eric, who is one of the assistants. Here's proof of all of them -- as well as some of Edirnespor's folks (I assume) -- celebrating Dolson's 24th:
Washington Mystics & Edirnespor co-operation welcome Mike Coach and Eric Coach happy birthday Stefanie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Rm3FRq3bJr
— Edirnespor Basketbol (@EdirnesporBK) January 8, 2016
Cool stuff. Dolson and Latta aren't the only Mystics in Turkey. Bria Hartley, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, and LaToya Sanders are also playing for other teams there. Therefore, it's safe to say the Thibault will visit them as well to check up on their progress.
The timing of Thibault's European trip is also not a coincidence. The WNBA's free agency period is starting soon, and this is now a time for him to make a pitch to unrestricted and restricted free agents. It's also an opportunity for him to scout future players.
Who knows? Thibault already found a "diamond in the rough" with Emma Meesseman. He may also have a few more tricks up his sleeve for 2016.