NEW YORK — Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink and others are making this one of the most anticipated WNBA drafts in recent years. There are several high-profile, impactful players whose talent is largely overshadowed by their popularity among basketball fans.
“Caitlyn is kind of in her own world, but I don't think you've ever seen this much excitement across the board,” ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo said. “As you know, Angel Reese has a huge fan following. Cameron Brink has a lot of people following him, whether it's following him on social media or following him throughout his college career. .
“We have women coming into this year's draft, and people are familiar with them and want to see how their game changes at this level.”
Clark has helped bring millions of new fans to the game with her signature logo shot and incredible passing ability. The Iowa State star was a big reason why a record 18.9 million viewers tuned in to South Carolina's NCAA Championship Game victory over the Hawkeyes.
The NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer will be among the first to play for the Indiana Fever, whose draft will be held Monday night in front of 1,000 fans at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
“I think it's going to be special because it's the first time we've had fans at the draft,” ESPN analyst Andraya Carter said. “I think it’s going to be really exciting for people watching at home to see and hear the crowd and the fans and the people that are there.”
Clark is the likely No. 1 pick, but Brink, Tennessee's Rikea Jackson and South Carolina's Camila Cardoso are being discussed as Los Angeles' No. 2 picks. The Sparks also own the No. 4 pick, and Chicago has the No. 3 pick.
“Those are the fundamentals. This is a great opportunity for our organization,” Sparks GM Regan Pebley said. “Not only do we have the skills to make an impact early on, but we also have a long runway, an opportunity to grow, not only to be great at what we do, but also to be great at what we do.” We'd love to see two players with opportunity and the rest around them as we continue to build this team. ”
Dallas is fifth and Washington is sixth. Minnesota, Chicago, Dallas, Connecticut, New York and Atlanta completed the first round. There are 3 rounds in total, 36 total picks.
Here are some other tips about drafts.
setback due to injury
All-Americans Mackenzie Holmes (Indiana State) and Elizabeth Kitley (Virginia Tech) will not be able to play in the WNBA this season due to knee injuries. Holmes said on social media that she will undergo surgery next month.
“At the moment, my body is healthy and I will undergo the necessary surgery in May to prevent further problems and reduce the pain it has caused, in order to ensure that my playing career is as long and successful as possible.” “I decided to do it,” she said. “I am declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft and praying that a team will respect me and select me, knowing that I will be ready for the start of training camp in 2025.” Masu.”
Kitley tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Virginia Tech's final regular-season game and missed the entire postseason.
“Every time you see a player go through an injury at any point in their career, especially at that point it was the special season that Virginia Tech had. But I think the player she has, I I'm going to use that word again, 'truck,''' Pebley said. “She still has a lot of runway in front of her. I think she's going to have a great career with her versatility and footwork ability. And I think she's made an impact around the rim.”
invitee
The WNBA invited 15 players to Monday's draft, including Clark, Reese, Brink, Jackson, Cardoso and Kitley. The others are Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl of UConn. Charisma Osborn of UCLA. Celeste Taylor and Jaycee Sheldon of Ohio; Alyssa Pili of Utah; Marchesha Davis of Mississippi; Daisha Fair of Syracuse; and Nyadiu Puoch from Australia.
