American guard Maria Ferdinand has signed with USK Blex Prague for the upcoming season. The 26 year-old, who is currently in the WNBA with the San Antonio Silver Stars (13 ppg) has signed a one year contract with the Czech side.

Ferdinand spent the 2004/2005 European season in Istanbul with Fenerbahce. She played a key role in their FIBA Europe Cup Women run, averaging 14.3 ppg in the play-offs and leading them all the way to the final, where they lost in a close game against Phard Napoli.

"We are happy to have Maria in the team," said USK Blex head coach Lubor Blazek.

"She is able to play well point as well as shooting guard,  I hope she will help us a lot," he added.

Ferdinand's signing caps a busy off season for the Prague club who have already sealed contracts with Janell Burse and Sviatlana Volynaya.

USK Blex Prague begin their 2006 EuroLeague Women campaign on 26th October against French side USO Mondeville.