Tag: wnba draft

2019 WNBA Mock Draft Version 1.0

~ Aneela Khan ~ Leave a comment

The WNBA Draft is coming up in three months and with that in mind, I have released the first version of my WNBA Mock Draft. These versions of the mock draft will be updated monthly. Also, after the NCAA Tournament, the mock drafts will be updated weekly until the actual WNBA Draft.

NOTE:**This first version of the draft does not include international players and will be included in the next version. It also does not include possible early declaration players and possible WNBA Free Agency movement which impacts the draft. That will be in the later versions of the draft which will be out in March or April.

ROUND ONE

  1. Kalani Brown – Las Vegas Aces
  2. Asia Durr – New York Liberty
  3. Katie Lou Samuelson – Indiana Fever
  4. Napheesa Collier – Chicago Sky
  5. Teaira McCowan – Dallas Wings
  6. Jessica Shepard – Minnesota Lynx
  7. Arike Ogunbowale – Los Angeles Sparks
  8. Megan Gustafson – Phoenix Mercury
  9. Sophie Cunningham – Connecticut Sun
  10. Alanna Smith – Washington Mystics
  11. Kristine Anigwe – Atlanta Dream
  12. Brianna Turner – Seattle Storm

ROUND TWO

  1. Natisha Hiedeman – Phoenix Mercury
  2. Marina Mabrey – New York Liberty
  3. Kianna Ibis – Chicago Sky
  4. Anriel Howard – Minnesota Lynx
  5. Maci Morris – Washington Mystics
  6. Kenisha Bell – Minnesota Lynx
  7. Danni Williams – Los Angeles Sparks
  8. Hallie Thome – Minnesota Lynx
  9. Jenna Allen – Michigan State
  10. Kennedy Burke – Washington Mystics
  11. Bridget Carleton – Atlanta Dream
  12. Kennedy Leonard – Seattle Storm

ROUND THREE

  1. Kayla Goth – Indiana Fever
  2. Maite Cazorla – New York Liberty
  3. Allazia Blockton – Chicago Sky
  4. Kitjia Laksa – Indiana Fever
  5. Amy Okonkwo – Dallas Wings
  6. Ciara Duffy – Minnesota Lynx
  7. Morgan Bertsch – Los Angeles Sparks
  8. Laura Stockton – Phoenix Mercury
  9. Teniya Page – Connecticut Sun
  10. Kiara Leslie – Washington Mystics
  11. Rosemarie Julien – Atlanta Dream
  12. Zykera Rice – Seattle Storm

FINAL 2018 WNBA Mock Draft

Diamond DeShields. Photo courtesy of Tennessee Athletics
~ Aneela Khan ~ 4 Comments

Well, this is it. We have reached the final week. The WNBA Draft tips off THIS Thursday at 7 pm on ESPN2. Make sure you tune in and watch. As for me, this is the final 2018 WNBA Mock Draft you will get from this blog. Thank you everyone for your constant support through out all of these WNBA mock drafts. I have received over 2,500+ views on all three previous versions which is mind blowing. So again, THANK YOU! And I am wishing all those draftees good luck as well as to the draft invitees and may your future be forever changed.

FIRST ROUND

  1. A’ja Wilson (F) – Las Vegas Aces
  2. Kelsey Mitchell (G) – Indiana Fever
  3. Diamond DeShields (G/F) – Chicago Sky
  4. Azura Stevens (F) – Chicago Sky
  5. Jordin Canada (G) – Seattle Storm
  6. Gabby Williams (F) – Dallas Wings
  7. Victoria Vivians (G) – Washington Mystics
  8. Lexie Brown (G) – Indiana Fever
  9. Kia Nurse (G) – Connecticut Sun
  10. Maria Vadeeva (C) – New York Liberty
  11. Monique Billings (F) – Los Angeles Sparks
  12. Marie Gulich (C) – Phoenix Mercury

SECOND ROUND

  1. Stephanie Mavunga (C) – Las Vegas Aces
  2. Jaime Nared (F) – Indiana Fever
  3. Myisha Hines-Allen (F) – Connecticut Sun
  4. Jill Barta (F) – Atlanta Dream
  5. Ariel Atkins (G) – Minnesota Lynx
  6. Mercedes Russell (C) – Dallas Wings
  7. Tyler Scaife (G) – Washington Mystics
  8. Loryn Goodwin (G) – Phoenix Mercury
  9. Roshunda Johnson (F) – Phoenix Mercury
  10. Shakayla Thomas (G) – New York Liberty
  11. Tyra Buss (G) – Los Angeles Sparks
  12. Katelynn Flaherty (G) – Minnesota Lynx

THIRD ROUND

  1. Brooke McCarty (G) – Phoenix Mercury
  2. Natalie Butler (C) – Indiana Fever
  3. Vionise Pierre – Louis (C) – Atlanta Dream
  4. Morgan William (G) – Chicago Sky
  5. Rebecca Greenwell (G) – Seattle Storm
  6. Lexi Bando (G) – Dallas Wings
  7. Carlie Wagner (G) – Washington Mystics
  8. Gabbi Ortiz (G) – Las Vegas Aces
  9. Linnae Harper (G) – Connecticut Sun
  10. Maria Jespersen (F) – New York Liberty
  11. Kaylee Jensen (C) – Los Angeles Sparks
  12. Raisa Musina (C) – Minnesota Lynx

WNBA Draft 2018: Your handy TV viewing guide to watching the draft.

~ Aneela Khan ~ 1 Comment

The WNBA Draft is upon us. In just a couple of days, we will get to learn of new names, new faces who will become future stars of the WNBA. As an avid WNBA watcher for 10 years now, I think it’s time to unveil my TV viewing guide to those watching the WNBA Draft for the very first time.

 

  1. The WNBA Draft is a big event for the WNBA and for all the 12 teams. The draft invitees get treated like superstars that day. By the time the draft starts, the anxiety and nerves set in.
  2. There will be an ESPN crew to handle the draft. Usually it’s Rebecca Lobo + another analyst, Holly Rowe and Ryan Rucco plus LaChina Robinson. Their job is to moderate and comment on all of the draft picks immediately, especially in the first round.
  3. The WNBA commissioner will come out onto the stage and declare that the draft is now underway. The timer then sets to 3:00 minutes for the first round.
  4. The first round is made for TV so those 3 minutes between picks for talking EVEN when the draft pick is in.
  5. The ESPN crew will then discuss who the top prospects are. EX: A’ja Wilson, Azura Stevens, Jordin Canada.
  6. Expect LOTS of camera shots of A’ja Wilson. And on her coach Dawn Staley
  7. If Wilson goes as #1 pick, expect Holly Rowe to interview head coach Dawn Staley as well as presumed pick A’ja Wilson.
  8. When it’s time for the #2 pick, expect lots of camera shots of Kelsey Mitchell, Azura Stevens, Gabby Williams, etc.
  9. When that #2 player is announced, look at the other players faces. That’s always fun. Or look at the parents/families faces.
  10. Expect lots of words such as “potential”, “raw talent”, “can be a contributor right away” to be used.
  11. When Holly Rowe is interviewing players, expect her to ask these two questions, 1) Congratulations! How do you feel right now? and 2) What do  you feel like you can bring to Team X?
  12. We may or may not get war room shots of teams in the first round.
  13. The first round can be dramatic occasionally. Or it can go as planned. They usually finish the first round by the alloted time, however if it goes late, you have to quickly turn to ESPNU. Which most people don’t have. It’s usually the 11th or 12th pick that ends up in that situation.
  14. Trades. For whatever reason, everyone always thinks there’s so many TRADES that will happen. NO. I’m here to set the record straight. Yes, there may be trades, but expect only 1 or 2 in the first round. The rest can be done in the second or third round but it may not have an impact.
  15. Also, if there is a trade, the ESPN crew will acknowledge it and analyze the trade on the spot. You will get the analysts opinion right away.
  16. If you want constant updates on the draft order selection, do not trust the WNBA Twitter page. It can be slow and a bit behind. ESPN on TV for the first round is reliable. After that, they are barely announced. It’s on the score ticker below the screen.
  17. If you do want constant updates, trust one of the bloggers or reporters that are there live. They will be your best source that day.
  18. When that second round starts, usually ESPN does announce the first couple of picks. But after the 15th or 16th pick, they start interviewing coaches. Or players from the first round. Expect them to interview A’ja Wilson during this time. As well as head coach Bill Laimbeer of the Las Vegas Aces.
  19. More war room shots.
  20. The second and third rounds go by so fast. Like a blur. The draft is done in the alloted time.
  21. When it’s done and completed with, expect the next ESPN program to start immediately.
  22. For the most part, ESPN does do a great job of televising the WNBA Draft. But as an avid WNBA watcher & part time blogger I would love more. I would love for the second round picks to be announced. The same with the third round.

2018 WNBA Mock Draft Version 2.0

~ Aneela Khan ~ 1 Comment

With the Elite 8 games over and the Final Four set to begin on Friday, it is now time to unveil the second version of my 2018 WNBA Mock Draft. The first version received so many views unexpectedly and it was just simply amazing to see. You can view it here.

I will have TWO more versions of this mock draft. One right after the Final Four and then the FINAL version just a couple of days before the actual WNBA Draft which will take place on April 12. You may have already noticed some slight differences between the first and second version. Some players stock rose while others fell. Also, a new name is in the draft because of early declarations. Look for those in my next two versions IF more players declare early or if there are any pre – draft trades.

* As always, my Mock Drafts are a mix between NCAA tournament results / overall play plus the overall fit on the team*

FIRST ROUND

  1. A’ja Wilson (F) – Las Vegas Aces
  2. Kelsey Mitchell (G) – Indiana Fever
  3. Gabby Williams (F) – Chicago Sky
  4. Diamond DeShields (G/F) – Chicago Sky
  5. Jordin Canada (G) – Seattle Storm
  6. Lexie Brown (G) – Dallas Wings
  7. Victoria Vivians (G) – Washington Mystics
  8. Maria Vadeeva (C) – Indiana Fever
  9. Kia Nurse (G) – Connecticut Sun
  10. Ariel Atkins (G) – New York Liberty
  11. Monique Billings (F) – Los Angeles Sparks
  12. Marie Gulich (C) – Phoenix Mercury

SECOND ROUND

  1. Stephanie Mavunga (C) – Las Vegas Aces
  2. Jaime Nared (F) – Indiana Fever
  3. Myisha Hines – Allen (F) – Connecticut Sun
  4. Jill Barta (F) – Atlanta Dream
  5. Shakayla Thomas (G) – Minnesota Lynx
  6. Brooke McCarty (G) – Dallas Wings
  7. Katelynn Flaherty (G) – Washington Mystics
  8. Tyra Buss (G) – Phoenix Mercury
  9. Loryn Goodwin (G) – Phoenix Mercury
  10. Mercedes Russell (C) – New York Liberty
  11. Carlie Wagner (G) – Los Angeles Sparks
  12. Natalie Butler (C) – Minnesota Lynx

THIRD ROUND

  1. Vionise Pierre – Louis (C) – Phoenix Mercury
  2. Teana Muldrow (F) – Indiana Fever
  3. AJ Alix (G) – Atlanta Dream
  4. Rebecca Greenwell (G) – Chicago Sky
  5. Roshunda Johnson (F) – Seattle Storm
  6. Lexie Bando (G) – Dallas Wings
  7. Morgan William (G) – Washington Mystics
  8. Gabbi Ortiz (G) – Las Vegas Aces
  9. Maria Jespersen (F) – Connecticut Sun
  10. Stephanie Reid (G) – New York Liberty
  11. Kaylee Jensen (C) – Los Angeles Sparks
  12. Raisa Musina (C) – Minnesota Lynx

2018 WNBA Mock Draft Version 1.0

~ Aneela Khan ~ 5 Comments

With the NCAA women’s tournament well underway and the first two rounds officially completed, it is now time to unveil my WNBA mock draft for this year. I put a poll on Twitter asking if people would be interested in a weekly WNBA mock draft after every round and most people said yes. So, here we are! The first of my WNBA mock draft is below. I will have three more versions of mock drafts after this one. One after the Elite 8, one after the Final 4 and the final mock draft a couple of days before the official WNBA Draft. Just a reminder, that the WNBA Draft is on April 12th at 7 pm on ESPN2.

*FYI, my mock drafts are based somewhat on the results of the first two rounds of the NCAA tourney plus overall play & fit on a team*

FIRST ROUND

  1. A’ja Wilson – (F) – Las Vegas Aces
  2. Kelsey Mitchell – (G) – Indiana Fever
  3. Gabby Williams (F) – Chicago Sky
  4. Diamond DeShields – (G) – Chicago Sky
  5. Jordin Canada – (G) – Seattle Storm
  6. Lexie Brown – (G) – Dallas Wings
  7. Victoria Vivians – (G) – Washington Mystics
  8. Maria Vadeeva – (C) – Indiana Fever
  9. Kia Nurse – (G) – Connecticut Sun
  10. Ariel Atkins – (G) – New York Liberty
  11. Stephanie Mavunga – (F) – Los Angeles Sparks
  12. Monique Billings – (F) – Phoenix Mercury

SECOND ROUND

  1. Jaime Nared – (F) – Las Vegas Aces
  2. Marie Gulich – (C) – Indiana Fever
  3. Tyler Scaife –  (G) – Connecticut Sun
  4. Shakayla Thomas – (G) – Atlanta Dream
  5. Myisha Hines – Allen (F) – Minnesota Lynx
  6. Brooke McCarty – (G) – Dallas Wings
  7. Katelynn Flaherty – (G) – Washington Mystics
  8. Vionise Pierre – Louis – (C) – Phoenix Mercury
  9. Tyra Buss – (G) – Phoenix Mercury
  10. Mercedes Russell – (C) – New York Liberty
  11. Rebecca Greenwell – (G) – Los Angeles Sparks
  12. Natalie Butler – (C) – Minnesota Lynx

THIRD ROUND

  1. Carlie Wagner – (G) – Phoenix Mercury
  2. Loryn Goodwin – (G) – Indiana Fever
  3. Morgan William – (G) – Atlanta Dream
  4. AJ Alix – (G) – Chicago Sky
  5. Stephanie Reid – (G) – Seattle Storm
  6. Teana Muldrow – (F) – Dallas Wings
  7. Roshunda Johnson – (F) – Washington Mystics
  8. Gabbi Ortiz – (G) – Las Vegas Aces
  9. Lexie Bando – (G) – Connecticut Sun
  10. Tashia Brown – (F) – New York Liberty
  11. Kaylee Jensen – (C) – Los Angeles Sparks
  12. Raisa Musina – (C) – Minnesota Lynx

 

The WNBA Draft Lottery — Who will select the #1 WNBA Draft pick in 2018?

~ Aneela Khan ~ Leave a comment

Note: *The WNBA Draft Lottery is postponed until further notice. It was supposed to take place on Sept 14 during the half time of the Lynx vs Mystics semi final playoff game. The unofficial note is that it may be rescheduled in the month of October, maybe even sooner. Until that happens, this is a break down of the WNBA Draft Lottery on all the four teams that missed the playoffs this season.*

This year’s WNBA Draft Lottery is almost upon us. The four teams that missed the playoffs have a shot at drafting the #1 overall selection in next year’s very deep draft. The four teams that missed the playoffs are the following: Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever and the San Antonio Stars. In order to have the highest percentage of possibly acquiring the #1 pick, teams with the worst 2 year record has the most chances of selecting #1 overall. This year, that honor belongs to the San Antonio Stars. The second worst team is the Indiana Fever followed by the Atlanta Dream and the Chicago Sky.

To break it down, although 4 teams missed the playoffs, only 3 teams will be selecting the top 4 WNBA Draft selections. The Atlanta Dream traded away their first round overall pick to the Chicago Sky who will now have two picks in the top 4. The Dream will have to trade in order to get into the first round once again.

The WNBA Draft Lottery can go many ways. In 2015 and 2016, the Storm won the #1 picks back to back. This is very rare and difficult to get. Since the San Antonio Stars had the #1st overall pick in 2017, it is very hard to see them getting the #1 pick in 2018 despite having a higher percentage than of the other two teams.

In my best educated guess, if I were to guess the WNBA Draft Lottery odds and selection, I would have to say that the Indiana Fever would get the #1 WNBA Draft pick. The San Antonio Stars would get the #2nd overall pick, then the Sky at 3 & 4 overall.  Of course, this is just one scenario and it could be a much different outcome when the lottery does take place. This is a WNBA Draft where even if teams do miss out on the #1 overall pick, the rest of the draft has potential superstars, some stars and great potential starters. Teams shouldn’t be too disappointed, but whoever does get the #1 overall pick should help their team and franchise immediately.

The WNBA Draft Date is April 13th, 2017

~ Aneela Khan ~ 14 Comments

The WNBA has not yet announced the official draft date which is a shame, since it is a month away now. Yet, over the two months, thanks to knowledgeable fans who did the research, the WNBA draft date is April 13th 2017 starting at 7 pm on ESPN2.

UPDATE: (March 13th) The WNBA Draft is officially April 13th, confirmed by two people with knowledge. However, the WNBA Draft does NOT have a location set yet, meaning the Mohegan Sun arena is out. It could be either at the ESPN studios or in New York. Check back later on this post.

If you have heard that the draft is on April 10th, you are wrong. I have listed two pieces of information that will make it clear to you that the draft indeed will be April 13th.

The first piece of information is clear. ESPN2 has it’s programming schedule set for April 13th. As you can see, below it has the draft scheduled for 7 to 8 pm on ESPN2. Don’t believe me? Take a look yourself.

If you follow this link http://espnmediazone.com/us/programming/program-schedules/#tvl_resultsAnchor, and click on April 13th, for a live event on ESPN2, you will see the WNBA Draft pop up. Also, the WNBA draft will continue from 8 pm to 9 pm on ESPNU afterwards.

Another piece of information is listed right here in the Odyssey Sims article, which clearly states..”The WNBA Draft will take place on April 13th.” http://www.wnba.com/news/sparks-acquire-odyssey-sims-trade-wings/  right on the WNBA official website itself!

I’m not sure why the league STILL has not made it official. This is NOT how the WNBA should operate. The draft date should be open three months before. So, spread the word and let everyone know for those who didn’t know before. The official draft date is April 13th 2017. The San Antonio Stars hold the #1 pick.