Nicole Levandusky (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        Four years ago, Nicole Levandusky was the ultimate underdog, a supposedly slow guard headed to Xavier because it was the only Division I school to offer a scholarship. Today, in a game televised on NBC, she becomes the first Musketeer to play in the WNBA.

        “I don't think it has really sunk in yet,” Levandusky said. “I'm very excited that I made the team. As far as getting paid to play now, that's just a bonus.”

        The Los Angeles Sparks, who drafted Levandusky in the second round, will visit four-time defending champion Houston at 3 p.m. in the only game on the WNBA's Opening Day slate.

        Xavier teammates Jennifer Phillips (Charlotte) and Taru Tuukkanen (New York) also were drafted, but neither survived to the 11-player final roster.

        Levandusky, who finished her career eighth in NCAA history in 3-point shooting, said the Sparks have said her role is to be a shooter.

        “I'm not thinking long- term; I'm just trying to adjust and take it day by day,” she said. “We've had two practices a day. It's like a full-time job.”

        In preseason, Levandusky totaled four points on 1-of-9 shooting in seven minutes against New York and eight points on 2-of-7 shooting in 12 minutes against Orlando.

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