WNBA Mock Draft

[shizam]

I'd take gabby at 2 and nurse at 9.

Always wondered why Wallace is never on any of these mock drafts.
Should be at least a second rounder imo.

Musina should be higher than 36.

Who is Wallace?

 

[shizam]

What great picks#4 Gray to Dallas and #7 Sykes to Atlanta were last year. I’d be a terrible GM in W
Only 3 players out of 36 had any impact for their team in 2017 draft
Plum#1, Grey #4, Sykes #7
You could possibly include Davis #10 but that’s reaching. No 2nd or 3rd rounders did anything. If Chong didn’t have her concussion she would have been included

2017 WNBA Draft - WNBA - DraftSite.com

I wouldn’t want many of the players in this upcoming draft. I don’t think it’s very strong like everyone says. I dont know the Euro players though

Anyone think Aleana Coates is going to be a player?

 

[shizam]

I notice Natalie Butler as a second round pick, which I love.

Z would be the #2 pick if she was in this year's draft.

Z better improve her game. She seems very soft. Draft must be weak. Thank goodness UConn saves her from Duke. What a terrific move for her development. Now Odom at Duke is looking good. Watch her.

 

[bballnut90]

There’s a reason nobody has yet to sign Ivory Latta as a free agent this year, and she even has some PG skills. Small players are a defensive liability in the WNBA. If a player is small, they need to make up for that lack of height in a big way. If Johnson has no PG skills, it’s going to be tough for her. Liked the rest of your post though.

She isn’t tall (5-7) which works against her unless she’s playing alongside a big PG. I think she’d be a good pick in the 2nd round and could stick as a 10 mpg sub who provides an offensive spark off the bench. Might be an uphill battle though.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

According to this Gabby and Diamond to Sky.

Wonder how Gabby would handle playing with an ego-case like DD? I think DD will flame out. Wouldn't go near that kid in the draft.

Bad joss!!!!

 

[Fairfield Fan]

This thread has me wondering: Who was the last (recruited) scholarship player who completed four years at UConn and didn't get drafted?

Heather Buck?

Who before her?

Did Heather become a nurse as planned?

 

[shizam]

Wonder how Gabby would handle playing with an ego-case like DD? I think DD will flame out. Wouldn't go near that kid in the draft.

Bad joss!!!!

You may be right. Wonder how Geno would have coached her?

 

[shizam]

Did Heather become a nurse as planned?

That’s a pretty strong recruiting pitch if Heather was the last 4 yr player not to be drafted

 

[bschwartz]

Dallas taking Brown does not bode well for Saniya

 

[SVCBeercats]

That’s true. Maya transformed the Lynx organization from Day 1. Maya is going to be the greatest of all time. Is Gabby at the Maya level?

What? This you don't know? Seriously!? Look I will not be surprised if Gabby is not taken in the first six picks. Furthermore I would not be shocked if Kia was picked before Gabby. Why? Because Gabby is as Sue Bird said a tweener. She has no position in the WNBA. What she does for UCONN, I don’t believe is possible to do in the WNBA. Her athleticism won’t be as distinct as it is in college. She is a bit of a project. Is some coach going to change his/her system for a player who is not a transformative player such as Moore or Stewart? I believe not. So she must fit into an existing system. She must develop a better jump shot particularly from the 3pt line. Can she be as effective in the paint in a league known for physical contact? How high can she jump when a big body is on her? Now I am not saying she is terrible. Quite the opposite. I am trying look at her as if I were a WNBA coach and/or GM who has a top six pick. Do I expend a top 6 pick on a developmental project irrespective of the potential or select a more complete player who can more easily blend into my existing system?

 

[bballnut90]

That’s a pretty strong recruiting pitch if Heather was the last 4 yr player not to be drafted

Doty wasn’t drafted either. UCONN players seem to excel if they stay, or they transfer:
2009-Faris, excelled
2010-Dolson/Hartley excelled, Walker, Engeln, and Johnson all transferred
2011-KML excelled, Stokes did okay but hit her stride in the pros, Banks transferred
2012-Stewart, Jefferson and Tuck excelled
2013-Chong exceeded expectations and had played in the pros
2014-Nurse and Williams excelled, Ekmark and Boykin transferred
2015-Collier and KLS have excelled
2016-Dangerfield has excelled, Irwin and Bent have not. Players are still sophomores.
2017-none have excelled...all are still in their first year. AEH transferred.

Players from the 2009-15 classes, 6 of the 19 players transferred. Besides maybe Stokes, the other 13 all made huge strides and were far better players when they left UCONN. Too early to say if the 2016 and 2017 classes will remain in tact the next few years. Seems like in most instances, the writing was on the wall for players who left. They knew they weren’t going to make an impact at UCONN, so they opted to choose a program where they could get PT. Natalie Butler, Ekmark and Michaela Johnson are all great examples of this.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Doty wasn’t drafted either. UCONN players seem to excel if they stay, or they transfer:
2009-Faris, excelled
2010-Dolson/Hartley excelled, Walker, Engeln, and Johnson all transferred
2011-KML excelled, Stokes did okay but hit her stride in the pros, Banks transferred
2012-Stewart, Jefferson and Tuck excelled
2013-Chong exceeded expectations and had played in the pros
2014-Nurse and Williams excelled, Ekmark and Boykin transferred
2015-Collier and KLS have excelled
2016-Dangerfield has excelled, Irwin and Bent have not. Players are still sophomores.
2017-none have excelled...all are still in their first year. AEH transferred.

Players from the 2009-15 classes, 6 of the 19 players transferred. Besides maybe Stokes, the other 13 all made huge strides and were far better players when they left UCONN. Too early to say if the 2016 and 2017 classes will remain in tact the next few years. Seems like in most instances, the writing was on the wall for players who left. They knew they weren’t going to make an impact at UCONN, so they opted to choose a program where they could get PT. Natalie Butler, Ekmark and Michaela Johnson are all great examples of this.

Minor corrections: Boykin was 2015. Edwards transferred out of 2014.

 

[PhanTom]

Very talented 1st round. If Kia is available to the Sun, I just don't know how they could pass on her... and, although I don't believe in drafting UConn players to pander to UConn fans, I would be completely on board.

Not sure of their priorities going in, but they have a solid base plus some new blood coming in and returning. Fans would love it for sure, especially after Charles bagged them. I think they have finally recovered from her loss, and that Coach!

 

[nwhoopfan]

Who is Wallace?

I'm assuming Baylor PG Kristy Wallace.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Doty wasn’t drafted either. UCONN players seem to excel if they stay, or they transfer:
2009-Faris, excelled
2010-Dolson/Hartley excelled, Walker, Engeln, and Johnson all transferred
2011-KML excelled, Stokes did okay but hit her stride in the pros, Banks transferred
2012-Stewart, Jefferson and Tuck excelled
2013-Chong exceeded expectations and had played in the pros
2014-Nurse and Williams excelled, Ekmark and Boykin transferred
2015-Collier and KLS have excelled
2016-Dangerfield has excelled, Irwin and Bent have not. Players are still sophomores.
2017-none have excelled...all are still in their first year. AEH transferred.

Players from the 2009-15 classes, 6 of the 19 players transferred. Besides maybe Stokes, the other 13 all made huge strides and were far better players when they left UCONN. Too early to say if the 2016 and 2017 classes will remain in tact the next few years. Seems like in most instances, the writing was on the wall for players who left. They knew they weren’t going to make an impact at UCONN, so they opted to choose a program where they could get PT. Natalie Butler, Ekmark and Michaela Johnson are all great examples of this.

Didn't we have a kid from Connecticut who played four years, but wasn't drafted and whose objective was becoming a doctor? Remember her?

 

[Geew1992]

Didn't we have a kid from Connecticut who played four years, but wasn't drafted and whose objective was becoming a doctor? Remember her?

Nicole Wolfe??

 

[JoePgh]

Didn't we have a kid from Connecticut who played four years, but wasn't drafted and whose objective was becoming a doctor? Remember her?

I think you are referring to Briana Pulito, aka "Polly". She was not initially a scholarship player and was not recruited while in high school. She was initially a walk-on and then got a scholarship. I think the question above is about scholarship players who were recruited by the coaches while they were in high school.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Nicole Wolfe??

Nope, she was from Massachusetts.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

I think you are referring to Briana Pulito, aka "Polly". She was not initially a scholarship player and was not recruited while in high school. She was initially a walk-on and then got a scholarship. I think the question above is about scholarship players who were recruited by the coaches while they were in high school.

Yep. Did she make it to med-school? Anyone know? I recall Coach Geno's telling her that she should stay back at Storrs and study for science exams instead of go on the road with the team.

Hope she made it!

 

[Fairfield Fan]

I notice Natalie Butler as a second round pick, which I love.

Z would be the #2 pick if she was in this year's draft.

Natalie will be a real X factor in the draft and training camp. She certainly wasn't WNBA quality when she was at UConn. The big question will be whether she was excelling against second- or third-tier teams, or whether she has truly made a major jump in performance.

Naturally, I'll be rooting for her.

 

[shizam]

Doty wasn’t drafted either. UCONN players seem to excel if they stay, or they transfer:
2009-Faris, excelled
2010-Dolson/Hartley excelled, Walker, Engeln, and Johnson all transferred
2011-KML excelled, Stokes did okay but hit her stride in the pros, Banks transferred
2012-Stewart, Jefferson and Tuck excelled
2013-Chong exceeded expectations and had played in the pros
2014-Nurse and Williams excelled, Ekmark and Boykin transferred
2015-Collier and KLS have excelled
2016-Dangerfield has excelled, Irwin and Bent have not. Players are still sophomores.
2017-none have excelled...all are still in their first year. AEH transferred.

Players from the 2009-15 classes, 6 of the 19 players transferred. Besides maybe Stokes, the other 13 all made huge strides and were far better players when they left UCONN. Too early to say if the 2016 and 2017 classes will remain in tact the next few years. Seems like in most instances, the writing was on the wall for players who left. They knew they weren’t going to make an impact at UCONN, so they opted to choose a program where they could get PT. Natalie Butler, Ekmark and Michaela Johnson are all great examples of this.

Correct me on this. Didn’t Engeln and Johnson suck after they left?
Banks was nothing great after she left to PennState?
Boykin definitely nothing special currently at PennState?
Ekmark doing fine at Az St?
In the past few years only Ekmark and Edwards have done well as transfers to Power 5 schools. Neither great but good additions. I think overall UConn transfers have definitely underperformed. Fan bases have huge hopes because they are from UConn. I would overrate them too.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Correct me on this. Didn’t Engeln and Johnson suck after they left?
Banks was nothing great after she left to PennState?
Boykin definitely nothing special currently at PennState?
Ekmark doing fine at Az St?
In the past few years only Ekmark and Edwards have done well as transfers to Power 5 schools. Neither great but good additions. I think overall UConn transfers have definitely underperformed. Fan bases have huge hopes because they are from UConn. I would overrate them too.

Engeln had some problems at BC and didn’t finish her eligibility.

Johnson actually did well at Wisconsin before getting injured again.

Edwards, Ekmark, and Boykin all became starters on so-so teams. Their numbers were decent, but they are not WNBA prospects. DJB is not a shooter or scorer, but she’s a pretty good rebounder.

 

[nwhoopfan]

What about Samarie Walker? Didn't she do decent at Kentucky after leaving UConn?

 

[MilfordHusky]

What about Samarie Walker? Didn't she do decent at Kentucky after leaving UConn?

I think “decent” is accurate. She started much of the time, but wasn’t much of a scorer. I’m not sure if she made a pro team or not.

 

[shizam]

What? This you don't know? Seriously!? Look I will not be surprised if Gabby is not taken in the first six picks. Furthermore I would not be shocked if Kia was picked before Gabby. Why? Because Gabby is as Sue Bird said a tweener. She has no position in the WNBA. What she does for UCONN, I don’t believe is possible to do in the WNBA. Her athleticism won’t be as distinct as it is in college. She is a bit of a project. Is some coach going to change his/her system for a player who is not a transformative player such as Moore or Stewart? I believe not. So she must fit into an existing system. She must develop a better jump shot particularly from the 3pt line. Can she be as effective in the paint in a league known for physical contact? How high can she jump when a big body is on her? Now I am not saying she is terrible. Quite the opposite. I am trying look at her as if I were a WNBA coach and/or GM who has a top six pick. Do I expend a top 6 pick on a developmental project irrespective of the potential or select a more complete player who can more easily blend into my existing system?

I think you’re right. I watched Gabby verse L’ville. Taken back by her all around athleticism and IQ. Also taken back her hesitancy and lack of confidence in her outside shot. Startling to see at this stage of her Sr year. That’s a glaring weakness on the WNBA level.

 

[shizam]

What about Samarie Walker? Didn't she do decent at Kentucky after leaving UConn?

From what I’ve heard she was pretty good at KY. I had just started following WNBA 2013 her final semester.

 

[shizam]

Engeln had some problems at BC and didn’t finish her eligibility.

Johnson actually did well at Wisconsin before getting injured again.

Edwards, Ekmark, and Boykin all became starters on so-so teams. Their numbers were decent, but they are not WNBA prospects. DJB is not a shooter or scorer, but she’s a pretty good rebounder.

Thanks I didn’t realize Johnson played well at Wisconsin. They must have been thrilled to land her. Too bad she was hurt.

 

[bballnut90]

Correct me on this. Didn’t Engeln and Johnson suck after they left?
Banks was nothing great after she left to PennState?
Boykin definitely nothing special currently at PennState?
Ekmark doing fine at Az St?
In the past few years only Ekmark and Edwards have done well as transfers to Power 5 schools. Neither great but good additions. I think overall UConn transfers have definitely underperformed. Fan bases have huge hopes because they are from UConn. I would overrate them too.

They haven’t become great players, but for the most part they’ve played much larger roles at their new programs than they would have at Connecticut.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Did Heather become a nurse as planned?

I believe so.

 

[SVCBeercats]

Correct me on this. Didn’t ... Johnson suck after they left?

Actually Michala Johnson averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds in her injury (ACL - what else) shortened career at Wiscosin. She started 63 of 64 games played. Her FG% was 54. All totaled she had 911 points and 443 rebounds. I don't consider these numbers to suck! Consider yourself corrected.