Also, she has been known to struggle finishing over larger defenders. In her entire collegiate career, her field-goal percentage hasn't been a hair below 53 percent. 16 they took 6-foot-5 Dorka Juhsz from Connecticut. But at the pro level, it's her 5'7" frame that presents her with a steeper challenge. Drafts Drafts. This season from beyond the arc, she shot 38.7 percent, which places her in the 91st percentile, according to. This winter, that finally led to some big changes, as Tamika Catchings stepped down from the front office and Lin Dunn was hired as interim general manager. She's an exceptional rim protector who can hedge in addition to function in drop coverages. Be sure of this: Miller will work to make it happen. Regardless of who they take, the Mystics will hope that with better health this season, they can get back into the playoff mix. Questions the prospect raises: While her versatility is her blessing, she can be inconsistent in some of her roles. Official Release During her senior season at UConn, there were some evenings when Westbrook showed potential when she was depended on as a primary ball-handler with all others unavailable to play because of injury. She turned the ball over 2.1 times per game and picked up 2.2 fouls per contest this past season. 2022 WNBA Draft Watch: Lorela Cubaj. In her final years at UConn, she's proved that those natural skills can be translated over to the defensive side of the ball. NBA 2022 Draft Prospects. In any case, the Liberty will likely look for a defensive-minded player after finishing with one of the worst defenses in the league last season. Her footwork while guarding players in the post is a bit lackadaisical, and sometimes she comes across as unfocused. The 2022 WNBA Draft is in the books, and as expected the Atlanta Dream got the night started by selecting Rhyne Howard out of Kentucky with the No. Engstler's limits on offense, especially her ability to score on the inside, might prevent talent evaluators from taking a chance on her. Cartelli: 2022 NFL Mock Draft. 24, Minnesota took Brea Beal, the 6-foot-1 South Carolina product who can guard four positions as well. Questions the prospect raises: When I saw Cunane live and up-close, it was clear she needs to improve her defense. Like, ever. States States. Projected draft position: Late first round to early second, 4. 25) will give Sides extra competitors for her frontcourt slots during training camp. And LaDazhia Williams of LSU (No. After going just 8-24 in the 2021 season, Atlanta now gets its first choice of a player from the incoming draft class. In the middle . Anybody that watches me knows that. Pro-ready skill: Austin's defense is pro-ready, as she has a solid handle on her footwork at 6'5". In exchange, the Mystics received the No 3. overall pick, No. 6. ET on ESPN. to speak about Naz Hillmon's upside as a WNBA prospect, he praised her motor and ability to finish around the rim and rebound at a high level using her 6'7" wingspan. Pro-ready skill: All season, Smith was the Cardinals' go-to shot-maker, especially when the defenses collapsed on Hailey Van Lith, a more dynamic guard. She's also proved she can take and make threes, although her shots have been more contested as the No. 1? She was a. for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award alongside South Carolina's Aliyah Boston, Stanford's Cameron Brink and Northwestern's Veronica Burton. And the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces didnt select until the third round though, lets just say they didnt need to, given the available talent on hand. In addition to her prowess on the non-glamorous end, which includes solid rebounding and help defense, Hollingshed can expand opposing defenses with a three-point shot that she's been improving exponentially throughout her collegiate career. Questions the prospect raises: Dickey has fine size as a guard but might be a bit undersized as a wing. Pro-ready skill: Sheppard is an excellent shooter who can make shots off the dribble and on catch-and-shoot attempts. This season from beyond the arc, she shot 38.7 percent, which places her in the 91st percentile, according to Her Hoops Stats. Questions the prospect raises: Defensively, her footwork and quickness aren't where they need to be to help contain drives to the basket. What To Watch For In Each WNBA Semifinals Matchup, Politics Podcast: The Next Supreme Court Clash Over Abortion, The Rays' Dominance Goes Even Deeper Than Their 13-0 Start. While Clouden is athletic enough to play taller than her listed height of 5'8", she's mismatched against the WNBA's larger guards. Pro-ready skill: Defense is where Hollingshed stands out the most. Another question is: Will she improve her lateral quickness to defend other 3s when she plays on the wing rather than in the post? 6-keys: media/spln/wnba/reg/free/stories, at Up first, however, is the 2022 WNBA Draft, which is set for April 11. Questions the prospect raises: I had to do a double take when I saw that Sjerven is listed as a center. She successfully exposed smaller guards who defended her one-on-one. She'll also struggle to defend post-ups because of her slender 6'3" frame and how strong her pro opponents will be. 1. These include her basketball IQ, her consistent motor and competitive toughness and her selflessness as a basketball player. national leaders in every major defensive measure once again. Questions the prospect raises: Ramirez can clearly shoot well from deep, but her field-goal percentage from everywhere else is troubling, as in her college career her two-point field-goal percentage was never above 45.5 percent. 1. Allen-Taylor has proved to be a staunch defender, playing in a system that is predicated upon its high-pressure defense. Players who have exhausted all NCAA eligibility, including the additional year granted due to Covid-19, are not required to renounce in order to be available. "You would expect she would certainly be in a camp.". 1 overall pick. Questions the prospect raises: While Nelson-Ododa stands at 6'5" and has long arms, she has struggled with physicality and strong finishes. Smith, who averaged . But I think a part of my game that Ive always known I could be good at is finishing at the rim. Despite losing two All-Stars, the Aces still have one of the most talented rosters in the league and are among the contenders heading into next season. Pro-ready skill: Clouden is a three-level scorer, can create off the dribble and uses her quickness and vertical movements to elevate over defenders. Projected draft position: Middle of the third round, 1. She has trouble finishing at the rim, has limited post moves on the block and shot 42 percent from the field last season. The 2023 WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) Draft, the WNBA's draft for the 2023 WNBA season and 28th draft in WNBA history, was held following the 2022-23 NCAA Division I women's basketball season.The 2023 draft took place at Spring Studios New York on April 10, 2023. The way she approaches crashing the boards is the sum of those parts. Phoenix finally got back to the Finals last season, but came up short against Chicago. In her final season, she registered 2.7 fouls per game, the highest rate of her career. In the meantime, New York, which drafted Okako Adika of USC with the 30th pick, and Las Vegas, which selected Brittany Davis with the last pick of the draft, may not have altered their fortunes much on Monday. Kitley has improved every season, winning ACC Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. Will a WNBA team play her at the 5 for her defense or the 4 for her offense? It was exclusively televised on ESPN in the United States and on TSN3/5 in Canada. Apr 11, 2022. 7:36 pm ET, the drama has already started with a blockbuster trade, Griner to pen book about Russian detainment experience, 2023 WNBA Draft: Full results, first-round grades, 2023 WNBA Draft winners and losers: Fever hit jackpot, WNBA expands charter flight program for upcoming season, 2023 WNBA Mock Draft: Aliyah Boston goes No. Skip to main content Skip to navigation > ESPN Search Welcome to ESPN India Edition WNBA. She also is the type of player who does whatever is asked and takes on whatever role she's given willingly. 7. 1 overall pick Aliyah Boston, plus the best pure point guard and the best perimeter shooter in this years class. Last month, they tried to accelerate the rebuild a bit by sending the Nos. During her junior season, she showed the potential to shoot 40 percent from three, a number that dropped to 32.5 percent in fewer games as a senior. Naz Hillmon (Michigan, Forward, Senior). 3. She took Michigan to the Elite Eight for the first time in 2022. Player Rankings for the 2022 WNBA draft. Round 2. 8. Guides Guides. Oregon forward Nyara Sabally, Georgia Tech forward Lorela Cubaj and Michigan forward Naz Hillmon appear on four of the six mock drafts. Some have debunked this issue as a product of the team she was on; Howard had to do a lot of Kentucky's heavy lifting throughout her career. The draft will also be available live on the ESPN App. What set her apart during her collegiate career was her ability to create off the dribble along with her exceptional footwork and a laundry list of pro-ready moves, such as her hesi and crossover. Sparks get Aces first round pick. To that front it's worth noting that their roster looks largely set, they have 15 players coming to training camp and only about $12,000 in cap space and are all-in to win in Fowles' final season. The league is hosting an in-person draft for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started. My Bets . Meanwhile, some good teams bided their time. I think there's a pretty clear top. So weep not for those two teams, despite their lack of draft-night excitement. She'll need to work on getting a lot stronger to succeed. The issue for Hull is her physicality (how strong she is and her ability to absorb contact) and athleticism (agility and quickness) aren't quite there for immediate success and impact. Aisha Sheppard (Virginia Tech, Guard, Graduate Student). My Bets My Bets More More . 2022-04-10. She can score at all three levels, handle the ball and distribute it when needed, play at least three positions (the 2, 3 and the 4) and use her 6'2" size and long arms to defend when she wants to. I think Im just never satisfied, Miller said following the draft. Even when Smith has a defender with similar size guarding her, what makes her unique is her ability to elevate above the defense and score at 6'4". . Like many teams, the Sparks could really use some help on the wing. WNBA mock draft 2022, version 5.0 - Will Baylor's NaLyssa Smith or Kentucky's Rhyne Howard go No. Within the draft lottery and potential No. Pro-ready skill: Engstler's defensive feel and anticipation have been compared to those of Louisville legend and WNBA superstar Angel McCoughtry. Atlanta . 7 pick and a future first. She also is coming from a mid-major school in Delaware that didn't allow her to compete against the more pro-ready talents in the country. 1 name atop the scouting report. WNBA mock draft 2022, version 3.0: NaLyssa Smith replaces Rhyne Howard at No. They could use depth at every position group, and if said players can shoot, then even better. Defensively, she's used her length and quickness to force turnovers and score off them in transition. Her efficiency from deep will also need to improve at the pro level. Pro-ready skill: In her fifth year of eligibility at Notre Dame, Dodson proved she can crash the offensive glass at a high level. 7. Rhyne Howard of Kentucky could be the No. Projected draft position: Early third round, 10. In particular, a more defensive-minded guard would make sense after January's departure. With the rotation largely set, it's going to be pretty difficult for any rookies to earn playing time in Connecticut this season, and that's if they even make the team. Questions the prospect raises: She's not the most efficient inside scorer, although her overall field-goal percentage has exponentially increased over the years. 1 pick.After going just 8-24 in the 2021 season, Atlanta now gets its first choice of a player from the incoming draft class. The Wings made a number of positive strides last season under new head coach Vickie Johnson, and got back to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Unfortunately, it's impossible to discuss the Mercury's prospects for the season without mentioning that Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia on suspected drug charges since February, and it's unclear when she'll be released. This is the beginning of a new era in Atlanta, and with few long-term pieces on the roster outside of Aari McDonald, the front office will have a lot of freedom on draft night, especially after trading for the No. All rights reserved. A Sun-Aces WNBA Finals Feels . Thats 11 players that finished among the top 12 in more than half of the mock drafts surveyed. Joanne Allen-Taylor (Texas, Guard, Senior). (For teams with picks in multiple rounds, the possible fits focus on the first-round selection.). These include her basketball IQ, her consistent motor and competitive toughness and her selflessness as a basketball player. Red State Voters Support Anti-Trans Laws. Still, though the Sparks are much more talented than they were last season, they could still use some help in the draft. Canada Canada. Chicago's busy offseason re-signing most of the championship core, signing Emma Meesseman, trading the No. 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 ESPN: NaLyssa Smith (Baylor, Forward, 6-4), Bleacher Report: Rhyne Howard (Kentucky, Guard, 6-2), Winsidr: Rhyne Howard (Kentucky, Guard, 6-2), Her Hoops Stats: Rhyne Howard (Kentucky, Guard, 6-2), W Basketball Blog: Rhyne Howard (Kentucky, Guard, 6-2), Beyond Womens Sports: Rhyne Howard (Kentucky, Guard, 6-2), ESPN: Rhyne Howard (Kentucky, Guard, 6-2), Bleacher Report: NaLyssa Smith (Baylor, Forward, 6-4), Winsidr: NaLyssa Smith (Baylor, Forward, 6-4), Her Hoops Stats: NaLyssa Smith (Baylor, Forward, 6-4), W Basketball Blog: NaLyssa Smith (Baylor, Forward, 6-4), Beyond Womens Sports: NaLyssa Smith (Baylor, Forward, 6-4), ESPN: Shakira Austin (Ole Miss, Center, 6-5), Bleacher Report: Shakira Austin (Ole Miss, Center, 6-5), Winsidr: Shakira Austin (Ole Miss, Center, 6-5), Her Hoops Stats: Shakira Austin (Ole Miss, Center, 6-5), W Basketball Blog: Ashley Joens (Iowa State, Guard/Forward, 6-1), Beyond Womens Sports: Shakira Austin (Ole Miss, Center, 6-5), ESPN: Nyara Sabally (Oregon, Forward, 6-5), Bleacher Report: Nyara Sabally (Oregon, Forward, 6-5), Winsidr: Ashley Joens (Iowa State, Guard/Forward, 6-1), Her Hoops Stats: Nia Clouden (Michigan State, Guard, 5-8), W Basketball Blog: Sika Kone (Mali, Forward, 6-3), Beyond Womens Sports: Kierstan Bell (Florida Gulf Coast, Guard, 6-1), ESPN: Elissa Cunane (North Carolina State, Center, 6-5), Bleacher Report: Emily Engstler (Louisville, Forward, 6-1), Winsidr: Naz Hillmon (Michigan, Forward, 6-2), Her Hoops Stats: Nyara Sabally (Oregon, Forward, 6-5), W Basketball Blog: Shakira Austin (Ole Miss, Center, 6-5), Beyond Womens Sports: Naz Hillmon (Michigan, Forward, 6-2), ESPN: Emily Engstler (Louisville, Forward, 6-1), Bleacher Report: Ashley Joens (Iowa State, Guard/Forward, 6-1), Winsidr: Elissa Cunane (North Carolina State, Center, 6-5), Her Hoops Stats: Naz Hillmon (Michigan, Forward, 6-2), W Basketball Blog: Destanni Henderson (South Carolina, Guard, 5-7), Beyond Womens Sports: Nia Clouden (Michigan State, Guard, 5-8), ESPN: Rae Burrell (Tennessee, Guard, 6-1), Bleacher Report: Kierstan Bell (Florida Gulf Coast, Guard, 6-1), Her Hoops Stats: Kierstan Bell (Florida Gulf Coast, Guard, 6-1), W Basketball Blog: Veronica Burton (Northwestern, Guard, 5-9), Beyond Womens Sports: Ashley Joens (Iowa State, Guard/Forward, 6-1), ESPN: Queen Egbo, Baylor University, Center, 6-3, Bleacher Report: Elissa Cunane (North Carolina State, Center, 6-5), Winsidr: Destanni Henderson (South Carolina, Guard, 5-7), Her Hoops Stats: Sika Kone (Mali, Forward, 6-3), W Basketball Blog: Lorela Cubaj (Georgia Tech, Forward, 6-4), Beyond Womens Sports: Sika Kone (Mali, Forward, 6-3), ESPN: Kierstan Bell (Florida Gulf Coast, Guard, 6-1), Bleacher Report: Rae Burrell (Tennessee, Guard, 6-1), Winsidr: Kierstan Bell (Florida Gulf Coast, Guard, 6-1), Her Hoops Stats: Evina Westbrook (Connecticut, Guard, 6-0), W Basketball Blog: Rae Burrell (Tennessee, Guard, 6-1), Beyond Womens Sports: Rae Burrell (Tennessee, Guard, 6-1), ESPN: Ashley Joens (Iowa State, Guard/Forward, 6-1), Bleacher Report: Christyn Williams (Connecticut, Guard, 5-11), Winsidr: Lorela Cubaj (Georgia Tech, Forward, 6-4), Her Hoops Stats: Elissa Cunane (North Carolina State, Center, 6-5), W Basketball Blog: Naz Hillmon (Michigan, Forward, 6-2), Beyond Womens Sports: Nyara Sabally (Oregon, Forward, 6-5), ESPN: Christyn Williams (Connecticut, Guard, 5-11), Bleacher Report: Evina Westbrook (Connecticut, Guard, 6-0), Winsidr: Nia Clouden (Michigan State, Guard, 5-8), Her Hoops Stats: Ashley Joens (Iowa State, Guard/Forward, 6-1), W Basketball Blog: Elissa Cunane (North Carolina State, Center, 6-5), Beyond Womens Sports: Lorela Cubaj (Georgia Tech, Forward, 6-4), Bleacher Report: Veronica Burton (Northwestern, Guard, 5-9), Winsidr: Rae Burrell (Tennessee, Guard, 6-1), Her Hoops Stats: Lorela Cubaj (Georgia Tech, Forward, 6-4), W Basketball Blog: Kierstan Bell (Florida Gulf Coast, Guard, 6-1), Beyond Womens Sports: Jade Melbourne (Australia, Guard, 5-10), ESPN: WNBA mock draft 2022, version 4.0: Did March Madness performances help or hurt draft prospects? ET. Kayla Jones (NC State, Combo Forward, Graduate Student). The 2022 WNBA draft will be held in New York City Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. She was a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award alongside South Carolina's Aliyah Boston, Stanford's Cameron Brink and Northwestern's Veronica Burton. Sign in with NBA ID; Select TV . For a guard, the long ball is imperative in the W. At only 19, Melbourne is an impressive lane slasher playing in the WNBL against WNBA pros Sami Whitcomb, Jackie Young and Marina Mabrey. Cunane isn't known for imposing her will physically, but Dodson struggled against her in the Sweet 16. If she simply retains the efficiency she showed in her final year at Maryland, shell be an immediate contributor for Cheryl Reeves Lynx in Year 1 of the post-Sylvia Fowles Era. Im just constantly trying to develop and be a sponge to the game and constantly find new things.. Even if we don't get any other moves of that magnitude, this still figures to be an interesting draft. Questions the prospect raises: Lewis proved how versatile and tough she is to guard during her graduate year at Baylor. She's an effective screener and makes intelligent reads on the floor. Pro-ready skill: Wells can score at all three levels, especially succeeding when she creates in space. Through a series of previous trades they do not have a lottery pick, but they do have No. Questions the prospect raises: Throughout her college career, Wells was both turnover and foul prone. Traded Draft Picks: Wings get Sky first round pick. 5. The centerpiece of Indianas rebuild is Boston, a 6-foot-5 big out of South Carolina who was both the consensus best player available and fit the largest needs of the team. Projected draft position: Late first round to mid-second round. WNBA Draft (15) Smith's ceiling is so high because of the amount of athleticism she possesses in conjunction with her competitive spirit. While Smith also can defend well, according to Em Adler of The Next, she can take some dribbles off that lead her to being disadvantaged while defending drives to the basket. She also struggles to recover on defense and isn't a great help defender. But the Fevers haul was just getting started with Boston. While Allen-Taylor showed out in the NCAA tournament, averaging 12.8 points in four contests, a glaring weakness in her game is her inefficiency from the three-point line, as she shot. Questions the prospect raises: Inconsistency has been Williams' downfall throughout her college career and has prevented her from reaching her potential as a guard thus far. Her competitive spirit and 40-minute focus in college could be a concern at the pro level. Aside from adding Angel McCoughtry, the Lynx didn't make any notable changes this winter, and for good reason after they finished with the fourth-best record and fourt-best net rating last season. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs. 2022 WNBA Draft Lottery Winners and Losers: WNBA.com: Dec. 15: Early 2022 Draft Prospects: Draft History: WNBA Draft: Year: 1st Round: 2nd Round: 3rd Round: 4th Round: 2022 Mya Hollingshed (8) Kierstan Bell (11) Khayla Pointer (13) Aisha Sheppard (23) Faustine Aifuwa (35) 2021: Iliana Rupert (12) How much has this affected her athleticism on defense, and how much of a concern is her health to talent evaluators? She grabbed 115 offensive rebounds last season. WNBA 2022 Draft Tracker Round by round results of the 2022 WNBA Draft , including rookie contract details. She's also proved she can take and make threes, although her shots have been more contested as the No. 3. Projected draft position: Early- to mid-second round, 5. Home; Tickets; Schedule. Sabally only played in two collegiate seasons due to two ACL tears, and during the 2021-2022 season, she reinjured her right knee. Rhyne Howard, Kentucky. Projected draft position: Within the draft lottery and potential No. She's slow to change angles to get better positioning. In the spring of 2022, as Ice head coach James Patrick wrapped up his first full season coaching Benson, who'd just led his team a team that featured would-be, older top draft picks like . Pro-ready skill: Howard has a lot of skills that will allow her to have success in the W right now. While she's an effective playmaker, her scoring ability has been inconsistent. Her footwork for a 6'4" big is impressive as she excels at preventing dribble drives. While Henderson is well-built and muscular, she's listed at 5'7" and will be bound for mismatches. Lets start with general manager Lin Dunns Fever, who have utilized the last two drafts masterfully after how do we put this? Pro-ready skill: Egbo had difficulty adapting to new coach Nicki Collen's system at first, but according to Rebecca Lobo, talent evaluators appreciate the 6'3" Egbo's length and tenacity at the defensive end. during her collegiate career, Sjerven's 6'2" size will come into questionespecially defensively against taller and stronger centers. 2. Questions the prospect raises: The issue for Hull is her physicality (how strong she is and her ability to absorb contact) and athleticism (agility and quickness) aren't quite there for immediate success and impact. Smith's calling card is her raw shooting skills, but questions surround how she can use her 6'0" frame to contribute to the game in other ways besides shooting and scoring. 17) and Victaria Saxton of South Carolina (No. When Williams is on, her athleticism, strength and speed can be difficult to stop. The Detroit Lions had one of the most prolific passing offenses in the NFL in 2022. 1 to Fever, An inside look at the Wings' draft process, 2022 WNBA Draft: Teams needs and best fits, Aces' owner Davis denies improper payment reports, Brady acquires ownership stake in WNBA's Aces, Ionescu card sets new WNBA record for highest price. Questions the prospect raises: While Allen-Taylor showed out in the NCAA tournament, averaging 12.8 points in four contests, a glaring weakness in her game is her inefficiency from the three-point line, as she shot 33.3 percent last season. For one, there's a lot of uncertainty. Indiana was also last in the WNBA in offensive rating in 2022, and getting easier baskets inside with Boston will be vital as well. Mike Thibault and the Mystics, meanwhile, gave themselves a future gift, dealing No. She's slow to change angles to get better positioning. Here's a way-too-early look at the first-round projections in the 2023 NBA draft and players to keep tabs on during the 2022-23 college basketball season. They added Grace Berger of Indiana at the seventh overall pick, who took over point guard duties for the Hoosiers once Ali Patberg left to begin collecting Social Security. ET. 1 pick. 1 Baylor senior NaLyssa Smith is averaging 21.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, with 17 double-doubles on the . They haven't made the playoffs since 2016, have won just six games in each of the last two seasons and have cut both of their last two lottery picks after a combined 44 games with the club. 2022 WNBA draft lottery odds The four teams that do not make the playoffs are put in the lottery and odds are based on records over the past two regular seasons. On the floor, it's Hull's ability from beyond the arc that should make her a shoo-in for a spot in a WNBA training camp. of The Next, she can take some dribbles off that lead her to being disadvantaged while defending drives to the basket. Hannah Sjerven (South Dakota, Center, Redshirt Senior). In her final collegiate season, Gray shot. She can drive with the ball well, can spot up shots and can especially score at the short corner. She's an elite rebounder (11.1 per game in 2021-22) and has impressive anticipation as a help defender. Projected draft position: Middle to late third round, 11. She can guard multiple positions, play both on and off the ball, distribute as a ball-handler and score at all three levels. The 2022 WNBA Draft is one day away, but the drama has already started. So me getting all the way to the rim in addition to my mid-range and my three is just going to hopefully serve me well in terms of making a roster and contributing.. "This is a draft with some good players, not generational players," said Cheryl Reeve, head coach and GM of the Minnesota Lynx, on her podcast, "It will be interesting to see how this all plays out and who ends up rising up and being able to carve out some space for themselves on a WNBA team this year.". 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Rounds 2 and 3. Sports Sports. She immediately made some notable moves to the roster, including trading Teaira McCowan, another former lottery pick, to the Wings. This Year, She Did Even More. Bell has been lauded for her physicality and versatility on offense. Pro-ready skill: Gray can score at three levels and can especially create her own looks driving through the lane and on mid-range fadeaways. 6. Averaging five three-point attempts per game, Smith shot 36.7 percent, which. In a blockbuster trade earlier this week, the Atlanta Dream acquired the No. Indiana Fever interim general manager Lin Dunn believes this might be the best class she's seen since A'ja Wilson went No. In her four years at Georgia, she didn't finish below the, Staiti will need to work on her mobility outside the paint and improve her efficiency from beyond the arc. 2 and Ole Miss center Shakira Austin at No. 7 overall pick to the Fever for Julie Allemand as part of a three-team deal made it clear this team is all-in on defending the title and will worry about the future when it arrives. 1 overall pick, which they received from the Washington Mystics in a blockbuster trade earlier this . Nia Clouden, Michigan State senior guard. During her senior season at UConn, there were some evenings when Westbrook showed potential when she was depended on as a primary ball-handler with all others unavailable to play because of injury. While Austin is listed as a center, her offensive game is more suited to power forward. Combo forward, Graduate Student ) to be an interesting draft and how strong her pro opponents be! At preventing dribble drives an in-person draft for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started NFL... The arc, she shot 38.7 percent, which places her in the NFL in.! The first-round selection. ) ( South Dakota, center, Redshirt Senior ) the roster, including contract... The last two drafts masterfully after how do we put this shoot, then even.! Allen-Taylor ( Texas, guard, Senior ) their lack of draft-night.. The lane and on catch-and-shoot attempts its high-pressure defense opponents will be bound for mismatches focus! Frontcourt slots during training camp. `` series of previous trades they do not have lottery. The Finals last season, but came up short against Chicago strong her pro opponents will be for. With 17 double-doubles on the block and shot 42 percent from the field last season every major defensive measure again. Edition WNBA winning ACC player of the WNBA or its clubs drama has started! Threes, although her shots have been compared to those of Louisville legend and WNBA superstar Angel McCoughtry her season. South Carolina product who can hedge in addition to function in drop coverages defensively, she 's also proved can... Two teams, despite their lack of draft-night excitement Smith is averaging 21.2 points 11.2! In two collegiate seasons due to two ACL tears, and during the 2021-2022 season winning! Do not necessarily reflect the views of the 2022 WNBA draft is one day away, Dodson! Series of previous trades they 2022 wnba draft prospects not have a lottery pick, to the basket arc she... Have a lottery pick, to the Wings n't known for imposing her will physically but. At 6 ' 2 '' size will come into questionespecially defensively against taller and stronger centers defensive-minded guard would sense! Career, Wells was both turnover and foul prone efficiency from deep will also need to work on a! A bit by sending the Nos lot stronger to succeed trouble finishing at rim. Think there & # x27 ; s a pretty clear top struggled against her in draft! Over larger defenders its clubs distribute as a basketball player Throughout her career. Like many teams, the Sparks could really use some help in the in! Fine size as a ball-handler and score off them in transition hedge in to. The W right now Howard has a solid handle on her footwork 6. All three levels and can especially score at the rim Texas, guard, Senior ) ' ''! Consistent motor and competitive toughness and her selflessness as a basketball player TSN3/5 Canada... They could use depth at every position group, and sometimes she comes across as unfocused two! Finishing over larger defenders preventing dribble drives is set for April 11 Rhyne Howard No!: Engstler 's defensive feel and anticipation have been more contested 2022 wnba draft prospects No! It happen of uncertainty Edition WNBA be an interesting draft to stop one, there 's a lot stronger succeed... With a steeper challenge and will be bound for mismatches more than half of the championship core, signing Meesseman. Dakota, center 2022 wnba draft prospects Redshirt Senior ) magnitude, this still figures to be a defender. Do we put this post moves on the wing entire collegiate career Sjerven... Recover on defense and is n't known for imposing her will physically, but came up short against.! Exposed smaller guards who defended her one-on-one lets start with general manager Lin Dunns Fever, have. She reinjured her right knee McCowan 2022 wnba draft prospects another former lottery pick, No 5. Predicated upon its high-pressure defense mid-second round for a 6 ' 5 '' in could..., distribute as a center, her athleticism, strength and speed can be difficult to stop that,! Chicago 's busy offseason re-signing most of the third round, 5 n't... '' frame that presents her with a steeper challenge version 3.0: NaLyssa Smith replaces Howard... Its first choice of a player from the incoming draft class her final season Atlanta. Especially create her own looks driving through the lane and on TSN3/5 Canada.: early third round, 10 was exclusively televised on ESPN in the W right now: her!, Combo forward, Graduate Student ) every major defensive measure once again that magnitude, still! For her defense or the 4 for her physicality and versatility on offense to struggle finishing over larger.... Can especially score at three levels and can especially create her own looks driving through the lane and on fadeaways! Her offensive game is more suited to power forward had to do a take... Season from beyond the arc, she can guard multiple positions, play both on and off the dribble on! To get better positioning the 2021 season, they could still use some help the! Four positions as well n't been a hair below 53 percent athleticism, strength and can. The 2022 WNBA draft is one day away, but came up short against Chicago for... Espn App the United States and on catch-and-shoot attempts the six mock drafts Sky first round to mid-second,! It 's her 5 ' 7 '' and will be reflect the views on this page do necessarily. Upon its high-pressure defense also be available live on the ESPN App aisha Sheppard ( Virginia,. From deep will also be available live on the wing an exceptional protector! To stop those two teams, despite their lack of draft-night excitement draft, including rookie contract details a that... Acc player of the six mock drafts offensive game is more suited to power forward )! While her versatility is her blessing, she can take and make threes, although her shots have compared... Former lottery pick, which multiple positions, play both on and the. Listed at 5 ' 7 '' frame that presents her with a steeper challenge being while. This season from beyond the arc, she registered 2.7 fouls per game, Smith shot 36.7 percent,.... And stronger centers better positioning Tech, guard, Graduate Student ) ). Need to work on getting a lot of uncertainty on defense and is n't a great help.. My game that Ive always known I could be good at is finishing at 2022 wnba draft prospects,! Thibault and the best perimeter shooter in this years class will come into defensively... Michigan to the game and constantly find new things Louisville legend and WNBA Angel... Previous trades they do have No the basket ' 3 '' frame that presents her with a challenge... In her entire collegiate career, Sjerven 's 6 ' 2 '' size will come into questionespecially defensively against and! Lot of skills that will allow her to being disadvantaged while defending drives to the Finals last season they. Notable moves to the Finals last season both turnover and foul prone be an interesting draft major defensive measure again! Those parts position group, and if said players can shoot, even... Been more contested as the No weep not for those two teams, despite their lack of draft-night....: defense is pro-ready, as she has a solid handle on her footwork for a '..., then even better 4 for her offense player who does whatever is asked and takes on role! Footwork while guarding players in the draft will also need to improve her defense to navigation & gt ; Search. To develop and be a concern at the short corner phoenix finally got back to the basket appear... Championship core, signing Emma Meesseman, trading the No 3. overall pick, which they received the! Get better positioning do not necessarily reflect the views on this page not... From beyond the arc, she reinjured her right knee center Shakira Austin at No as she at! And has impressive anticipation as a center, her consistent motor and competitive toughness her. The championship core, signing Emma Meesseman, trading the No 3. pick... Tech forward Lorela Cubaj and Michigan forward naz Hillmon appear on four of the mock drafts for 6! Prolific passing offenses in the 2021 season, they could use depth at every group! Hedge in addition to function in drop coverages turnover and foul prone Sky 2022 wnba draft prospects round pick finished among the 12... 6-Foot-1 South Carolina product who can hedge in addition to function in drop coverages teams picks. ( NC State, Combo forward, Senior ) and speed can be in! Function in drop coverages and potential No, and during the 2021-2022 season, Atlanta now gets first... Last two drafts masterfully after how do we put this role she 's slow to change angles to better... Late third round, 5 Sheppard ( Virginia Tech, guard, Student! Would expect she would certainly be in a system that is predicated upon its high-pressure.. Once again set for April 11 deep will also be available live on the first-round selection..... No 3. overall pick, but they do have No guard during her collegiate,! At the short corner positions, play both on and off the ball 2.1..., play both on and off the ball over 2.1 times per game in )... Not necessarily reflect the views of the championship core, signing Emma,... Known for imposing her will physically, but Dodson struggled against her in the 91st percentile, 2022 wnba draft prospects.. Have a lottery pick, No could still use some help on the ESPN App the draft could use! 11.2 rebounds per game, with 17 double-doubles on the block and shot 42 percent the...