Dream Bales retiring to attend medical school

ATLANTA (AP) -- Atlanta Dream center Alison Bales has announced her retirement from the WNBA to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician.

The 6-foot-7 Bales was acquired by the Dream midway through the 2008 season and helped the team advance to the WNBA finals the past two years. In 2011, she appeared in all 34 games, including 15 starts, and led the team with 1.6 blocks per game. She averaged 5 points and 4.7 rebounds.

Bales played collegiately at Duke and was the ninth overall pick in 2007 by the Indiana Fever.

Bales made the announcement on Friday.