2018 WNBA Mock Draft

[SCGamecock]

You used head to head to support who would get picked 1st. I did the same. It's a goose vs gander thing

I don't think it' a valid basis for determining where a player will be drafted and only showed the Gabby v Wilson stats to show why. You can't use that argument for one match up and then deny it's validity in another.

Who gets drafted where in May of 2018 will have a lot to do with the needs of the teams. And I don't think that Wilson is by any means a lock for No 1.

But that's just it, In this moment, I wasn't even talking about the draft. Somebody brought up Stevens being better than Wilson and I gave my opinion to why she's not. I was talking about Wilson and Stevens head to head, literally how they've played against one another in the past... nowhere did I say anything about Wilson going 1st in the draft.

Now if you want me to talk about the draft, Wilson vs. Gabby then I will. I think Wilson goes before her, regardless of Gabby's fabulous stats. 1 on 1, Williams can't contain Wilson. Her athleticism will serve her well, but it's still not enough.

 

[Alydar]

Assuming Wilson remains healthy and has a productive season..... which WNBA team wouldnt take her #1?

I have no idea. I don't follow the WNBA. But what I see is not so much who wouldn't pick her as much as where she doesn't want to play.

I do believe that by next May Wilson may not be the best player. For over 2 1/2 years Coates has been doing the dirty work in the paint. Now it's Wilson that will have to take the beatings. I'm not sure she has the belly for it. In that respect she is a lot like Stewart, but Stewart could extend her offense out past the arc while Wilson has been doing most of her scoring midrange to inside. And I think there are a few players going into their senior years who, with some additional improvement, could become a more desirable pro prospect. That's not saying that Wilson can't improve. She could easily end up the No 1 pick. But if a team like, say, the Sun were to get the top pick I wouldn't be surprised if they traded it away. The Sun never seem to keep top players. When they get into the lottery they end up with pick no. 3 or 4 and when they draft a true blue-chip player they trade them and end up with lesser players. And I think that it's done "for the good of the league".

Also, it's my belief that the league "arranges" where players go. No 1 picks are traded prior to the draft or sometimes a year later but it seems that certain teams seem to have a disproportionate number of legit stars. When you pay players the meager salaries offered in the W the players have a lot of leverage as to where they play. I thought that was obvious back in the days when the draft order was "picked" behind closed doors. Nowadays it's done with more subtlety. And when impact players like Charles, EDD and Fowles can demand and get traded to he team of THEIR choice it's obvious that the field isn't level.

 

[Alydar]

But that's just it, In this moment, I wasn't even talking about the draft. Somebody brought up Stevens being better than Wilson and I gave my opinion to why she's not. I was talking about Wilson and Stevens head to head, literally how they've played against one another in the past... nowhere did I say anything about Wilson going 1st in the draft.

Now if you want me to talk about the draft, Wilson vs. Gabby then I will. I think Wilson goes before her, regardless of Gabby's fabulous stats. 1 on 1, Williams can't contain Wilson. Her athleticism will serve her well, but it's still not enough.

OK, then using your own measuring standards you would have to admit that Williams is better than Wilson. No?

 

[mbr33ct]

Only 5 UConn players?

 

[oldude]

Just as a side note, I'm not sure that Azura would even guard Wilson, or vice versa. A lot will depend on the kind of offense and defense each team runs. If Azura plays more on the wing while Williams and Collier flourish in the post, you won't see Wilson come out to the 3 point line to continuously defend Stevens (IMHO). Guarding Wilson will be another story - she's big and strong, but Gabby and Napheesa handled her this past year so who knows?

With what SC lost, I think they will be on the lower end of the top 10 this year (maybe somewhere between 6-10) and it's doubtful they will stay within 15-20 points of UConn next season. Never too early for smack talk, eh?!!

While I don't see her starting, I can see Batouly getting significant minutes off the bench guarding Wilson. She has the strength and footwork to push Wilson off the blocks.

 

[CocoHusky]

You can't be serious about that last statement regarding Azura. Wilson is the obvious #1 choice and it is not even close. I know we can choose to favor players on our teams that we root for, but Wilson has shown in multiple games that she struggles playing against and guarding Wilson.

Wilson was struggling guarding herself?

 

[CocoHusky]

I have no idea. I don't follow the WNBA. But what I see is not so much who wouldn't pick her as much as where she doesn't want to play.
Also, it's my belief that the league "arranges" where players go. No 1 picks are traded prior to the draft or sometimes a year later but it seems that certain teams seem to have a disproportionate number of legit stars. When you pay players the meager salaries offered in the W the players have a lot of leverage as to where they play. I thought that was obvious back in the days when the draft order was "picked" behind closed doors. Nowadays it's done with more subtlety. And when impact players like Charles, EDD and Fowles can demand and get traded to he team of THEIR choice it's obvious that the field isn't level.

For someone that DOESN'T follow the WNBA....... I could clearly see (or not) why you would think this.

 

[CTisballers]

I think Gabby can do more than Wilson but being a number 1 pick isn't always being the best player. Whatever team has that pick wants to have a player who fits in with there system. Like if New York has a down season and end up with the first pick I don't think they will take Wilson with Tina Kiah and Kia Vaughn but trades free agency etc can change things

 

[bballnut90]

I have no idea. I don't follow the WNBA. But what I see is not so much who wouldn't pick her as much as where she doesn't want to play.

I do believe that by next May Wilson may not be the best player. For over 2 1/2 years Coates has been doing the dirty work in the paint. Now it's Wilson that will have to take the beatings. I'm not sure she has the belly for it. In that respect she is a lot like Stewart, but Stewart could extend her offense out past the arc while Wilson has been doing most of her scoring midrange to insid.

Did you watch the NCAA tournament at all? Wilson was getting mobbed inside against Stanford and she never stopped battling. She appeared to shy away from contact as a freshman, but now is one of the more physical posts in the country and regularly attacks the basket and finishes through contact.

Wilson is a classic face up four with potential to develop into a point 4 if that's what is needed by her team. She has the frame and strength to finish through contact inside, can stick midrange jumpers, can drive and draws fouls, crashes the glass hard and is quick enough to blow by opposing posts who contest her face up game. Any time she touches the ball 15 feet and in, she's a threat to score.

Physically she is built like Candace Parker with her long arms and slender but strong frame. She has tremendous upside and could develop into a player like Tina Charles with proper coaching and in the right situation.

 

[Alydar]

For someone that DOESN'T follow the WNBA.. I could clearly see (or not) why you would think this.

When I say I don't follow I mean I don't watch many games over the season, for various reasons but mostly because a) I don't enjoy watching the style of play in the league and b) I think the rosters are to some degree "arranged" to load some teams with top-level players. But I do follow player movement and I do watch draftees while they are in college.

Did you watch the NCAA tournament at all? Wilson was getting mobbed inside against Stanford and she never stopped battling. She appeared to shy away from contact as a freshman, but now is one of the more physical posts in the country and regularly attacks the basket and finishes through contact.

Wilson is a classic face up four with potential to develop into a point 4 if that's what is needed by her team. She has the frame and strength to finish through contact inside, can stick midrange jumpers, can drive and draws fouls, crashes the glass hard and is quick enough to blow by opposing posts who contest her face up game. Any time she touches the ball 15 feet and in, she's a threat to score.

Physically she is built like Candace Parker with her long arms and slender but strong frame. She has tremendous upside and could develop into a player like Tina Charles with proper coaching and in the right situation.

It's just my opinion, but:
First, getting mobbed by Stanford is a lot different from getting mobbed by the Liberty and we are talking about potential as a pro.

Second, Wilson did have a great NCAA tournament but remember, Coates did most of the inside work until fairly late in the season. Let's see how Wilson stands up doing it starting in November. She was not in very good condition in her first 2 years. I can remember her bent over gasping in her first 2 games against UConn and in the W it's a lot more physically demanding. I think you are right that she, like Parker, wants to stay out of the paint and get most of her points on mid-range shots and slashing moves to the basket.

I can see that I seem to be throwing cold water on Wilson and that isn't my intent but unlike the SC fans posting here I don't see her as a lock as the number 1 pick. To me she's more of a Loyd-level talent who would be a slam-dunk top pick in many years but next year's draft is IMO going to be an historic one. I wouldn't be surprised to see the owner of the top pick trade it away for 2 of the top 8 picks. If you had a choice of drafting Wilson or trading the pick and getting 2 of a group including Williams, Stevens, Turner, Thomas and DeShields which would you do?

 

[CocoHusky]

I can see that I seem to be throwing cold water on Wilson and that isn't my intent but unlike the SC fans posting here I don't see her as a lock as the number 1 pick. To me she's more of a Loyd-level talent who would be a slam-dunk top pick in many years but next year's draft is IMO going to be an historic one. I wouldn't be surprised to see the owner of the top pick trade it away for 2 of the top 8 picks. If you had a choice of drafting Wilson or trading the pick and getting 2 of a group including Williams, Stevens, Turner, Thomas and DeShields which would you do?

Uhm...You are not throwing cold water. You are throwing much shade. A Loyd level talent?
So please refresh my memory, what number did Loyd go in the WNBA draft again?

 

[Alydar]

Uhm...You are not throwing cold water. You are throwing much shade. A Loyd level talent?
So please refresh my memory, what number did Loyd go in the WNBA draft again?

She was the top pick in an average draft. Amanda Zahui B. would not even be a top 10 pick next April but she was the second pick in 2015. And Loyd wouldn't have been a top 2 pick in 2016. Here's a link to the 2015 draft. You tell me how many of the top 10 that year would be top 10 next year. 2015 WNBA Draft Board - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA . Loyd for sure, and maybe Williams, but it's very iffy after that.

Wilson would have been a lock No 1 pick in either 2015 or 2017 but not in 2016 and not necessarily in 2017. And as I said, she may be the best player but if I had a choice of getting her or trading the pick and getting both Gabby Williams and either Stevens or Turner, I would take the 2 players over the 1. JMO of course.

 

[CocoHusky]

She was the top pick in an average draft. Amanda Zahui B. would not even be a top 10 pick next April but she was the second pick in 2015. And Loyd wouldn't have been a top 2 pick in 2016. Here's a link to the 2015 draft. You tell me how many of the top 10 that year would be top 10 next year. 2015 WNBA Draft Board - WNBA.com - Official Site of the WNBA . Loyd for sure, and maybe Williams, but it's very iffy after that.

Wilson would have been a lock No 1 pick in either 2015 or 2017 but not in 2016 and not necessarily in 2017. And as I said, she may be the best player but if I had a choice of getting her or trading the pick and getting both Gabby Williams and either Stevens or Turner, I would take the 2 players over the 1. JMO of course.

Wilson would have been the 1st pick in the 2015 WNBA draft.
Wilson would have been the 2nd pick in the 2016 WNBA draft.
Wilson would have been the 1st pick in the 2017 WNBA draft.
Wilson will be the first pick in the 2018 WNBA draft.

 

[DefenseBB]

I'm looking forward to the rematch of Wilson vs. Stevens in Columbia. Wilson won handedly BOTH times prior so I'm not sure why people keep saying Stevens is better when the results are right in your face. Either way, we will get to see them face off again.. so it'll be decided for us, again. I expect an improved Stevens, but then again.. A'ja is also very much improved.

Well by that logic, Gabby should be #1 because she out played Wilson this year and add int the fact Wilson has disappointed in all 3 UConn games, any UConn player should be ahead of her...

I am Kidding of course, but let's not get so carried away like Wilson is so dominant like Stewie, she isn't. Is she the leading candidate for #1 pick, yes. Would it take a Herculean collapse for her not to be, probably, but please back off the indignation. She's 0-3 and will be 0-4 against UConn...

 

[JoePgh]

Wilson would have been the 1st pick in the 2015 WNBA draft.
Wilson would have been the 2nd pick in the 2016 WNBA draft.
Wilson would have been the 1st pick in the 2017 WNBA draft.
Wilson will be the first pick in the 2018 WNBA draft.

2016????

 

[Go/huskies]

Wilson will go number 1, I think Williams, Deshields, and Mitchell will be the next 3 taken.

 

[Go/huskies]

2016????

The stars had McBride and Robinson at the time, more of a need for Wilson vs Jefferson.

 

[CocoHusky]

2016????

Yes. The San Antonio Stars rosters is devoid of size and not only would Wilson at 6'5" have been the Stars tallest player she would be the most skilled post player. That's nothing against Moriah BTW.

 

[stwainfan]

Tennessee could have three top ten picks.

 

[Kaizen]

Wilson would have been the 1st pick in the 2015 WNBA draft.
Wilson would have been the 2nd pick in the 2016 WNBA draft.
Wilson would have been the 1st pick in the 2017 WNBA draft.
Wilson will be the first pick in the 2018 WNBA draft.

Sorry,
2016, Moriah is and will be 2nd pick not Wilson.
2017, Plum is and will be 1st pick not Wilson.
2018, Gabby will be 1st pick not Wilson.

 

[triaddukefan]

Sorry,
2016, Moriah is and will be 2nd pick not Wilson.
2017, Plum is and will be 1st pick not Wilson.
2018, Gabby will be 1st pick not Wilson.

Lemme screenshot this for 2018

 

[DefenseBB]

Tennessee could have three top ten picks.

...and still not have made it out of the Second RD of the NCAA tournament...

 

[SCGamecock]

Well by that logic, Gabby should be #1 because she out played Wilson this year and add int the fact Wilson has disappointed in all 3 UConn games, any UConn player should be ahead of her...

I am Kidding of course, but let's not get so carried away like Wilson is so dominant like Stewie, she isn't. Is she the leading candidate for #1 pick, yes. Would it take a Herculean collapse for her not to be, probably, but please back off the indignation. She's 0-3 and will be 0-4 against UConn...

Y'all are really trying your best to make my comment something it's not. My post is strictly about Wilson vs. Stevens. I said nothing about Gabby Williams, Breanna Stewart, Wilson being Stewie-like dominant or Wilson going 1st in the draft. No idea why irrelevant topics keep being applied to my posts.

 

[sharris952]

People often talk about Garnet glassss but you are using blue shaded glasses if you think gabby would go befor Wilson. Wilson not only has been an MVP on two USA gold medal squads but also she is 6'5 and extremely skilled. Though a great athlete, Gabby is playing out of position and will have to develop a consistent jumper to justify that position translating to the WNBA. Wilson on the other hand is the height for her position and brings more to a pro team. You don't find many at her height with her skills whereas Gabby will be extremely undersized at her position entering the league. She would have to switch positions which WNBA teams are skeptical of especiall with top draft picks. Aja projects as a better pro and Olympian than any in that draft. Just ask Geno.

 

[DefenseBB]

Y'all are really trying your best to make my comment something it's not. My post is strictly about Wilson vs. Stevens. I said nothing about Gabby Williams, Breanna Stewart, Wilson being Stewie-like dominant or Wilson going 1st in the draft. No idea why irrelevant topics keep being applied to my posts.

Ok, fair enough, Wilson did outplay Stevens. And IMO Wilson has a major lead on her, however there are a few interesting developments I want to see:
1. Has Azura developed a strong inside game, with contact, similar to how Wilson learned to handle contact.
2. Has Z developed into a full multi-dimensional game like Stewie with 3 pt range
3. Has she developed a strong passing game, which is what UConn is known for
4. Has her cardio improved to run and play 40 minutes of motion offense and defense
If all the rumors of her improved play in practice translate onto the court, then next years game at SC will be interesting.
For all of Wilson's talents, she will never have an outside game due to her position restriction in Dawn's offensive scheme. However she could work hard in her conditioning which, I am sorry to say is lacking. If Wilson does that, she could be POY.

 

[noirwestern]

Y'all are really trying your best to make my comment something it's not. My post is strictly about Wilson vs. Stevens. I said nothing about Gabby Williams, Breanna Stewart, Wilson being Stewie-like dominant or Wilson going 1st in the draft. No idea why irrelevant topics keep being applied to my posts.

Boredom.

 

[SCGamecock]

When your point is falling apart... you can always bring up a players conditioning.

It's the running theme of tBY. Pun intended.

 

[Roger G]

2016????

The Stars already had an All-Star point guard in Robinson. They would have gone for the talented size without question.

 

[JoePgh]

I will be surprised, unless Gabby develops a much more reliable jump shot in her senior year, if she is even a lottery pick in 2018. I don't think it is possible to play in the paint successfully in the WNBA if you are 5-11. Who has ever done that?

On the other hand, if she does develop a really good 18-footer, then she can be a very effective 2 or 3 as a pro.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Here's my first round assuming it's only players with no eligibility left:
1. Wilson-the clear cut top prospect in the draft. Everything about her implicates that she's destined to be a great pro and a player that a franchise can build itself around.

2. Gabby Williams-the best athlete in the draft and she has improved her game at an alarming rate while at Connecticut. She needs to work on perimeter skills to realistically find similar success in the pros, but with her athleticism the sky is the limit for her.

3. Diamond Deshields-an outstanding athlete with a game that should transition well to the pros. Needs to find some team success or there will be some big red flags with her.

4. Brianna Turner-still has a ton of untouched potential. Health, physical strength as well as hands are a big question mark, but she plays good defense, has improved offensively in the post and runs the floor better than anyone else in her class.

5. Kelsey Mitchell-she might be the quickest guard in the draft and is probably the best pure scorer. In the pros she'll need to adjust to not having to create for herself as much, but she is an outstanding scorer and passer. She has potential to be a top player in the league.

6. Monique Billings-another outstanding athlete who has ample upside as a pro. I could see her developing into a Brunsonesque player over her time in the W. Great prospect.

7. Jordin Canada-maybe the top PG prospect in this WNBA class, she can create her own shot and beat anyone off the dribble. If she has a big senior season or can lead UCLA on a deep tournament run, her stock could climb even higher.

8. Jaime Nared-a really good swing forward who improved immensely from her sophomore to junior season. She has a good jumper, can score in a variety of ways, rebounds well and is capable of putting up big numbers. I think she could climb higher as long as she continues to establish herself as a primary option at Tennessee next year.

9. Lexie Brown-another really good point guard whose stock could climb with another great season. One of the best PGs in the country, Brown is an effective scorer and a proven winner. She was a vital contributor on Maryland's 2 Final Four teams and took Duke from being out of the tournament to a #2 seed.

10. Ariel Atkins-a late bloomer who is starting to come into her own, Atkins is another terrific leftie with big upside.

11. Stephanie Mavunga-another athletic forward with great upside and outstanding footwork. She's shown flashes of being a dominating post player, just needs to stay healthy at OSU.

12. Mercedes Russell-another really talented player who is starting to develop. Her post moves offensively are move improved and she has great size and hands inside. Health and quickness are her two biggest question marks right now.

13. Myisha Hines Allen-one of the better power forwards in the country who is capable of being a dominating force. An underwhelming junior season drops her a bit, but she reminds me of a Tari Phillips in her physicality and ability to hang with bigger players inside.

14. Kia Nurse-tough, hard nosed guard who will have started for 4 years under Geno. Scrappy defender, good decision maker, sometimes streaky as a shooter who is capable of getting hot from deep. Doesn't have tremendous foot speed nor has she shown much ability to create her own shot, but I think she will be a very good journey player in the W.

15. Tyler Scaife-I haven't seen a ton of her...but she's coming off an ACL and I don't think another year under Stringer will do much to help her out.

16. Victoria Vivians-Vivians has potential to be a top 5 pick. Her size and frame are ideal for an off guard in the pros. She has incredible range on her jumper and can create her own shot, but she has terrible shot selection and can disappear in games. If she becomes more selective as a shooter and improves her decision making, she could sky rocket.

17. Shakayla Thomas-fantastic athlete who needs to develop her perimeter skills to have a chance to stick.

18. Rebecca Greenwell-a good scoring forward who has consistently improved while at Duke. Not convinced she's quick enough defensively to stick in the pros, but a good showing as a 5th year senior could mean improved draft stock for her.

19. Brittany McPhee-a really good scoring guard who made big strides last year. I don't think she's going to be a great pro player but she could stick around for a few seasons.

20. Brooke McCarty-one of the more entertaining players to watch, McCarty is tough as nails and has emerged as a star at Texas. Her size and lack of foot speed mean it'll be an uphill battle for her to stick.


Other players to look out for: Kathryn Westbeld, Linnae Harper, Mariya Moore, Taya Reimer

Nice post.