Saniya had a great night. Her defense has definitely improved and her scoring was back where it always should have been. But what impressed me the most was her decision making. I think this was Saniya's best night for decision making ever.
As for her draft prospects, she will have to keep making good decisions as her head has seemed to be the real problem for her. I think she still has an outside shot at being a first rounder if she starts to show consistency and continues to do the things she did last night throughout the rest of the season and the tournament. But it is at the point now that she is going to have to change some opinions on her.
I think she can do it. And I really hope so, for her own sake.
I think Chong will be drafted into the W. What round, that remains to be seen. There are 36 players that get drafted (3 rounds of 12). She's got three things going for her.
1.
Her UConn pedigree - That alone is worth a lot. It's widely known that UConn players come into the league ready to play because of the training and coaching they've received. She knows what it's like to win, and what it takes to win.......and win consistently, and has been part of 3 and maybe 4 national championship teams.
2.
She can shoot the 3. She did it in high school, and has had better than average success in college.
3.
She has name recognition & she's as good as any third round player that will be drafted - She can always accept an invitation to any camp as an undrafted invitee. She may catch on with a team that way. Most 1st round players make the cut. Admittedly, very few second round players stick, and almost no third round players make the cut. She doesn't have to impress everyone, just one coach/GM. The hardest team to make is
The Minnesota Lynx. They're stacked from top to bottom. They have a veteran team, and acquire most of their players via free agency. The easiest team to make maybe the
San Antonio Stars. They finished with a league worst of 7 wins 27 losses, and have the 1st pick in this year's draft. They need help at every position, especially at the post. Their starting post last year Jayne Appel-Marinelli, retired.
