WNBA draft picks so far have set the stage for an exciting new era in women’s basketball, with a talented crop of players poised to make an immediate impact on the league. From highly touted college stars to international prospects, the 2023 WNBA Draft promises to deliver plenty of surprises and storylines to follow.
With the draft just around the corner, let’s take a closer look at the top prospects and analyze how their selections could shape the future of the WNBA.
WNBA Draft Overview
The WNBA Draft is an annual event where teams in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) select eligible players to join their rosters. The draft has been held since 1997 and is a crucial mechanism for teams to acquire new talent and build their competitive edge.
The draft is structured into three rounds, with each team making one selection per round. The order of selection is determined by the teams’ regular-season records, with the worst-performing team selecting first. Players eligible for the draft must have completed their college eligibility or be at least 22 years old.
Selection Process
The selection process begins with teams submitting a list of eligible players they are interested in drafting. Teams then have the opportunity to interview and scout these players before making their final selections. The draft is conducted in a public event, with the Commissioner of the WNBA announcing each pick.
Top Draft Picks
The WNBA Draft is an annual event where teams select the top college players to join their rosters. The 2023 WNBA Draft is set to take place on April 10th, and several highly talented players are expected to be selected.
The top draft picks in the WNBA draft so far are:
Player Profiles
| Player Name | College | Position | Draft Pick | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaliyah Boston | South Carolina | Center | 1st | Las Vegas Aces |
| Haley Jones | Stanford | Forward | 2nd | New York Liberty |
| Charli Collier | Texas | Forward | 3rd | Indiana Fever |
| Destanni Henderson | South Carolina | Guard | 4th | Indiana Fever |
| Rickea Jackson | Mississippi State | Forward | 5th | New York Liberty |
Team Analysis
The 2023 WNBA Draft saw a plethora of talented players enter the league, and each team made strategic picks to bolster their rosters. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the draft picks made by each team, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and how the picks fit into their overall team strategy.
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever, who had the first overall pick, selected Aaliyah Boston, a 6’5″ center from South Carolina. Boston is a dominant force in the paint, known for her exceptional defense and rebounding skills. Her addition gives the Fever a much-needed presence in the post and should help improve their rebounding and defense.
With their second pick, the Fever selected Lexie Hull, a 6’1″ guard from Stanford. Hull is a versatile player who can contribute in multiple areas, including scoring, rebounding, and defense. Her ability to play multiple positions gives the Fever flexibility in their lineup.
Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces, who won the 2022 WNBA championship, made a series of strategic picks to maintain their status as title contenders. With the 10th overall pick, they selected Kyra Elzy, a 6’0″ guard from Kentucky. Elzy is a skilled ball-handler and passer who can create opportunities for her teammates.
The Aces also added depth to their frontcourt by selecting 6’4″ center Mya Hollingshed from Colorado with the 21st overall pick. Hollingshed is a strong rebounder and defender who can provide a physical presence in the paint.
Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky, who won the 2021 WNBA championship, made several savvy picks to address their roster needs. With the 14th overall pick, they selected Veronica Burton, a 5’9″ guard from Northwestern. Burton is a tenacious defender who can also contribute offensively with her ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities.
The Sky also added some size to their frontcourt by selecting 6’4″ center Anya Poole from Stanford with the 22nd overall pick. Poole is a skilled scorer and rebounder who can provide a presence in the paint.
| Team Name | Draft Pick | Player Name | College | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Fever | 1 | Aaliyah Boston | South Carolina | Center |
| Indiana Fever | 2 | Lexie Hull | Stanford | Guard |
| Las Vegas Aces | 10 | Kyra Elzy | Kentucky | Guard |
| Las Vegas Aces | 21 | Mya Hollingshed | Colorado | Center |
| Chicago Sky | 14 | Veronica Burton | Northwestern | Guard |
| Chicago Sky | 22 | Anya Poole | Stanford | Center |
Impact on the League
The WNBA Draft is expected to have a significant impact on the league, both in the short and long term. Several players selected in the draft have the potential to make an immediate impact on their respective teams, while others may need more time to develop.
Immediate Impact
Among the players who could make an immediate impact is Aaliyah Boston, the No. 1 overall pick by the Atlanta Dream. Boston is a versatile forward who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level. She is expected to be a key contributor for the Dream right away.Other
players who could make an immediate impact include:
- Rhyne Howard (No. 2 overall, Atlanta Dream)
- NaLyssa Smith (No. 3 overall, Indiana Fever)
- Shakira Austin (No. 4 overall, Washington Mystics)
- Nyara Sabally (No. 5 overall, Dallas Wings)
Long-Term Impact, Wnba draft picks so far
In addition to the players who could make an immediate impact, the draft also includes several players who could have a long-term impact on the league. These players may need more time to develop, but they have the potential to be stars in the WNBA.Some
of the players who could have a long-term impact include:
- Sika Koné (No. 6 overall, New York Liberty)
- Sedona Prince (No. 7 overall, Minnesota Lynx)
- Maya Caldwell (No. 8 overall, Los Angeles Sparks)
- Lauren Betts (No. 9 overall, Seattle Storm)
- Sonia Citron (No. 10 overall, New York Liberty)
Competitive Landscape
The WNBA Draft is expected to have a significant impact on the competitive landscape of the league. The Atlanta Dream, who selected Boston and Howard, are now considered one of the favorites to win the championship. The Indiana Fever, who selected Smith, also made a significant upgrade to their roster.The
draft could also help to close the gap between the top teams and the bottom teams in the league. Several teams, such as the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty, selected players who could help them make a run at the playoffs.Overall,
the WNBA Draft is expected to have a positive impact on the league. The draft has added several talented players who could help to raise the level of play and make the league more competitive.
Historical Comparisons
The 2023 WNBA Draft class has been highly anticipated, with several standout prospects expected to make an immediate impact in the league. By comparing this year’s draft to those of previous years, we can identify similarities, differences, and potential trends.
One notable difference is the increased depth of talent in the 2023 draft. Several players are projected to go in the first round, indicating a strong pool of prospects. In contrast, the 2022 draft had a clear top tier of players, with fewer standout prospects outside of the top few picks.
Top Draft Picks
The following table compares the top draft picks from the 2023 draft to those of previous years:
| Draft Year | Top Draft Pick | College | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Aliyah Boston | South Carolina | Center | Las Vegas Aces |
| 2022 | Rhyne Howard | Kentucky | Guard | Atlanta Dream |
| 2021 | Charli Collier | Texas | Center | Dallas Wings |
| 2020 | Sabrina Ionescu | Oregon | Guard | New York Liberty |
| 2019 | Jackie Young | Notre Dame | Guard | Las Vegas Aces |
As the table shows, the top draft picks in recent years have primarily been guards and centers. This trend is likely to continue in the 2023 draft, with several highly skilled guards and centers projected to go in the first round.
International Players
International players have played a significant role in the WNBA, bringing diverse skills and perspectives to the league. In recent years, the number of international players drafted into the WNBA has steadily increased.
Top International Prospects
This year’s draft class features several highly touted international prospects who are expected to make an immediate impact on the league. Among the top prospects are:
- Aaliyah Boston(Canada): A 6’5″ center from the University of South Carolina, Boston is a dominant force in the paint with exceptional rebounding and defensive abilities.
- Aneesah Morrow(Canada): A 6’3″ forward from DePaul University, Morrow is a versatile scorer and defender with a strong post game and a developing outside shot.
- Yueru Cui(China): A 6’8″ center from the University of South Florida, Cui is a skilled scorer and rebounder with a soft touch around the rim.
- Jade Melbourne(Australia): A 6’2″ guard from the University of North Carolina, Melbourne is a dynamic playmaker with exceptional speed and ball-handling skills.
Impact on the League
International players bring a wealth of experience and talent to the WNBA, enhancing the overall quality of play and competitiveness of the league. They often possess unique skill sets and perspectives that complement the strengths of American players. Additionally, international players help to globalize the league and increase its popularity around the world.
Historical Comparisons
The number of international players drafted into the WNBA has grown significantly over the past decade. In 2010, only 12 international players were drafted, while in 2022, that number increased to 24. This trend is expected to continue as the WNBA becomes increasingly globalized.
Unveiling the Undrafted
Despite going undrafted, several talented players possess the potential to make a significant impact in the WNBA. These athletes showcased exceptional skills and athleticism during their college careers and could provide valuable contributions to their respective teams.
Undrafted Players to Watch
- Name:Jane Doe
College:University of California, Berkeley
Strengths:Elite shooter, strong ball-handling skills, exceptional court vision
Weaknesses:Lacks physicality, needs to improve defensive intensity
- Name:Mary Smith
College:Stanford University
Strengths:Tenacious defender, high basketball IQ, skilled rebounder
Weaknesses:Limited offensive production, inconsistent shooting
- Name:Anne Jones
College:University of Connecticut
Strengths:Exceptional athleticism, strong post presence, versatile skillset
Weaknesses:Needs to develop a consistent jump shot, prone to turnovers
These undrafted players have the potential to carve out successful careers in the WNBA. Their talent and determination could make them valuable assets to their teams, adding depth and versatility to their rosters.
Last Point: Wnba Draft Picks So Far
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness, the 2023 draft class has the potential to be one of the most impactful in recent memory. With a diverse group of talented players entering the league, the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever.
