NFL
When a psychic peers into her crystal ball, what does she see? A whole lot of nothing, considering scientists years later find minimal accuracy. However, despite no one knowing when or if the WNBA will play in 2020, I’ll prognosticate anyways and explain how the 12 first-round picks project the future. Which teams prepared for success, and which need to return their balls to the fishy Amazon third-party frauds?
1. New York Liberty: Sabrina Ionescu, Oregon
As I mentioned earlier, no one doubted this pick, and no one will question its wisdom. Sabrina is one of the most talented college players ever, and, with the Liberty trading Tina Charles, she immediately leads a proud but declining franchise. Move over, Kyrie: Brooklyn has its new icon.
CONGRATS SABRINA IONESCU
The number one overall draft pick @sabrina_i20 is headed to @nyliberty!
We have the reaction from Head Coach Walt Hopkins pic.twitter.com/kRqsUYRgd5
— Around The Rim (@AroundTheRim) April 17, 2020
2. Dallas Wings: Satou Sabally, Oregon
Sabally is an unusually talented forward who left school a year early. “She’s the prototypical modern forward,” praises ESPNW’s Graham Hayes. She has “3-point prowess to spare and a high comfort level with the ball in her hands.” Dallas started its run of three picks with a dynamic asserter. (And another legend loves the pick.)
From one amazing rookie to the next! @Arike_O
@BallySatou pic.twitter.com/EDNiwMDleY
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 18, 2020
3. Indiana Fever: Lauren Cox
Cox was undeniably the best player remaining. The WNBA is slowly transitioning away from sizable post players, but Cox is immensely athletic. Some thought the Fever would have been better with a point guard, but ask the Trail Blazers how picking Sam Bowie over MJ works based on picking off need, not talent.
A special message from our first round pick, @lauren_cox15
#ThisIsBallin x #WNBADraft pic.twitter.com/9JUpiGbibA
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 18, 2020
4. Atlanta Dream: Chennedy Carter, Texas A&M
Struggling Atlanta had numerous choices for a point guard and opted for the best scorer and most assertive personality. Carter often carried her team and offers unparalleled competitive drive. She may need to listen to Nicki Collen, a coach Atlanta and the WNBA respects. When she learns to harness her energy, she’ll be an explosive scorer.
.@ChennedyCarter gets selected fourth overall by the @AtlantaDream!#WNBADraft 2020 presented by @StateFarm pic.twitter.com/tlKdQ7DXCh
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 18, 2020
5. Dallas Wings: Bella Alarie, Princeton
The Wings reach to pick a balanced facilitator who dominated the Ivy League. The three-time conference player of the year holds school records for points, double-doubles, and blocks. Did she feast on the inferior competition? Hell no; basketball is basketball. Her skills would shine in any league, as they will in the W. (Also, one can’t beat Princton’s hype video.)
The
is heading to the @DallasWings
What a night to be a Tiger … and a Wing
— Princeton WBB (@PrincetonWBB) April 18, 2020
6. Minnesota Lynx: Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, South Carolina
The Lynx, with Maya More still on hiatus and several aged veterans declining, are stuck in the middle. They take a risk on an offensive and defensive standout other teams didn’t want. While “only” 2nd-team all-SEC her senior year, her MVP performance in the SEC tournament proves she has the heart of a Lynx. Minnesota selected their needed point guard Crystal Dangerfield, in the second round, so they walked away with their needs and gambling hearts fulfilled. (Also, they couldn’t beat her style-moves.)
the newest member of the Lynx
pic.twitter.com/1dexKM6HOU
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) April 17, 2020
7. Dallas Wings: Tyasha Harris, South Carolina
After passing on Carter, Dallas still snags a fantastic point guard. Harris isn’t the loudest personality, but she fabulously ran the Gamecock’s potent offense. Dallas walks away from the bank with a sizable bag of talent, and with three 2021 first-round picks, they can still withdraw next season while bringing smiles to their new city.
Celebrating with the fam!
pic.twitter.com/AuIgnA4Prl
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 17, 2020
8. Chicago Sky: Ruthy Hebard, Oregon
With limited capital, Chicago makes the best possible pick with a skilled forward who learned form the best with Ionescu and Sabally. Sky star point guard Courtney Vandersloot much desired Hebard, and James Wade’s impeccable knowledge improves an already diversely athletic roster. (And there’s no time for social distancing for one of Chicago’s best-ever picks).
Here in Fairbanks, Alaska @RuthyHebard24 had a car parade to celebrate her being selected by the @wnbachicagosky with the 8th overall pick in the #2020WNBADraft What a cool moment for the Golden Heart City! pic.twitter.com/gDP7vk8oJl
— Aaron Walling (@WallingMedia) April 18, 2020
9. New York Liberty: Megan Walker, Uconn
Walker was generally a successful player in Connecticut but didn’t stand out enough for very successful squads. Similarly to 2019 pick Asia Durr, she offers a skill set that’s well-rounded yet not dominant. New York improves modestly, but only by releasing a more experienced hooper. (Although Lisa Leslie is much more optimistic).
"I'm surprised Megan Walker went so late. SHE'S the sleeper. I think she's a baby Maya Moore." @_megwalker3
BIG props from @LisaLeslie. WSLAM Digital Draft Longe is LIVE on IG LIVE
— WSLAM (@wslam) April 18, 2020
10. New York Liberty (in trade with Phoenix Mercury): Jocelyn Willoughby, Virginia
The Mercury, needing younger talent to support Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, for some reason trade their pick. The Liberty swapped role player Shatori Walker-Kimbrough for the Cavalier. Willoughby led the ACC in scoring this season and earned the Kay Yow award for conference scholar-athlete. Her intelligence and athletic ability will be a capable complement to Ionescu. (While the graphic quickly became outdated, the praise still resonates).
NEVER HAVE I BEEN PROUDER TO MAKE A GRAPHIC WOWOWOWOW JOCELYN WILLOUGHBY YOU BEAST!!
@swishbeast https://t.co/mYijziuCnw
— Stephanie Soh (@stephojellosoh) April 18, 2020
11. Seattle Storm: Kitija Laska, Latvia
Seatle makes the best pick in the draft with the former USF sharpshooter. The Storm has almost no needs with Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart returning, and they can afford to take a small risk on a well-traveled three-point terror.
The
@Swedish X @Symetra pic.twitter.com/Q11NrQCTsS
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) April 18, 2020
12. New York Liberty: Jazmine Jones, Louisville
New York concludes its perhaps too-extensive first-round treasure chest with the Cardinals’ second most-talented baller. She played the most games in Louisville’s history and is a decent selection. Again, however, New York will have to relinquish a valued veteran to keep her.
I'm a so proud of my former player Jazmine Jones!!! She has made history!! She is the first player from Tallahassee to be selected 1st round #12 Pick! #WNBADraft @23_JJones #babyrattlerpride
https://t.co/GuAb9GsyRv
— Ericka Cromartie (@CoachCroFamuDRS) April 18, 2020
Heads Held High
Chicago’s Stefanie Dolson powerfully explained that the coronavirus is a severe threat. The 36 talented 2020 draft players may not be able to play for months or even a year. Thankfully, the curves are flattening, and vaccines are on the way. The top three-dozen college players in the world waited 22 years for their chance at basketball glory. We can delay a little longer for our idols to return in their quest to purge Earth from the throes of shattered hearts and return the US to a beacon for women’s sports.
Stats courtesy WNBA app
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