Pro-ready skill: Smith's ceiling is so high because of the amount of athleticism she possesses in conjunction with her competitive spirit. With Sue Bird's impending retirement, and both January and Epiphanny Prince in their mid-30s, trying to find some backcourt depth for the future would make sense. She was a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award alongside South Carolina's Aliyah Boston, Stanford's Cameron Brink and Northwestern's Veronica Burton. 1? Ahead of the big night, here are the biggest needs and potential fits for each team. Meanwhile, Chennedy Carter was suspended for most of the season due to conduct detrimental to the team, while multiple players, including Courtney Williams and Crystal Bradford, were involved in a brawl outside a club. 1 overall pick Aliyah Boston, plus the best pure point guard and the best perimeter shooter in this years class. Even when Smith has a defender with similar size guarding her, what makes her unique is her ability to elevate above the defense and score at 6'4". Questions the prospect raises: Defensively, her footwork and quickness aren't where they need to be to help contain drives to the basket. Pro-ready skill: At 6'1", Burrell possesses the length and athleticism that could lead to her being a key rotation piece. ET on ESPN. Anybody that watches me knows that. Fever general manager Lin Dunn said Boston is "going to have an immediate impact on this league.". Dickey has fine size as a guard but might be a bit undersized as a wing. 2022-23 Season Schedule; . 1 pick and within the draft lottery, 2. NBA 2022 Draft Prospects. Minnesota. Projected draft position: Early second round, 4. Here's a way-too-early look at the first-round projections in the 2023 NBA draft and players to keep tabs on during the 2022-23 college basketball season. In the spring of 2022, as Ice head coach James Patrick wrapped up his first full season coaching Benson, who'd just led his team a team that featured would-be, older top draft picks like . How much has this affected her athleticism on defense, and how much of a concern is her health to talent evaluators? At 6'4", Staiti can stretch as a mid-range and three-point jump-shooter. Within the draft lottery and potential No. The Washington Mystics won the 2022 WNBA draft lottery, but last Wednesday, it was announced that the Mystics had traded the number one overall draft pick to the Atlanta Dream. While it was another disappointing ending, they were so dominant in the regular season, and so close to beating the Sky that they largely ran things back. Averaging five three-point attempts per game, Smith shot 36.7 percent, which, according to Her Hoops Stats, put her in the 83rd percentile. They already have 16 players entering training camp, which will make life difficult for any of the players they pick, but they should be hoping to find someone who can help at No. Boston will join a former University of South Carolina teammate Destanni Henderson on the Indiana Fever roster. 1 pick. 2022-04-10. Let's check in on the seasons of 12 of the players regarded as top draft prospects in 2022: Rhyne Howard, Kentucky - The Wildcats 6-foot-2 guard likely could have been the No 1 pick in 2021. Pro-ready skill: Sheppard is an excellent shooter who can make shots off the dribble and on catch-and-shoot attempts. Questions the prospect raises: Bibby's athleticism and lack of lateral quickness are things she'll struggle with if she makes it to a WNBA training camp. 3. In her fifth year of eligibility at Notre Dame, Dodson proved she can crash the offensive glass at a high level. My 2022 WNBA Draft betting preview will give you early information on the key details, contenders for the No. Games. These include her basketball IQ, her consistent motor and competitive toughness and her selflessness as a basketball player. 5. The opportunity to punt on adding talent to what is already a win-now roster, while getting extra picks in what most observers expect will be overstocked draft classes, was a vintage bit of Thibault strategy. She can score at all three levels, handle the ball and distribute it when needed, play at least three positions (the 2, 3 and the 4) and use her 6'2" size and long arms to defend when she wants to. The centerpiece of Indianas rebuild is Boston, a 6-foot-5 big out of South Carolina who was both the consensus best player available and fit the largest needs of the team. 1 spot. 12, the Lynx added 19-year-old Maa Hirsch, a 6-foot-5 center from France who was a highly coveted prospect in many WNBA war rooms, and at No. In exchange, the Mystics received the No 3. overall pick, No. Berger promptly put up a 31 percent assist rate while hitting 65.4 percent of her shots at the rim, according to CBB Analytics. In four of her five collegiate years, Sjerven finished in the 93rd percentile or higher in total field-goal percentage. But Mondays picks might carry more of that capability than most. 1 overall pick still remains to be seen. On that night, 36 players will hear their names called and accomplish their dream of becoming professional basketball. A Sun-Aces WNBA Finals Feels Fated. . She is the consensus third-best player in this class, and the Mystics need some frontcourt depth. She was a. for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award alongside South Carolina's Aliyah Boston, Stanford's Cameron Brink and Northwestern's Veronica Burton. Although at 6'3" she has length and size as a post player, she also struggled with physicality and staying out of foul trouble. With the rotation largely set, it's going to be pretty difficult for any rookies to earn playing time in Connecticut this season, and that's if they even make the team. In the middle . Accordingly, the WNBA and the WNBPA previously agreed on an opt-in process for NCAA players who are otherwise eligible for the 2022 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm. Projected draft position: Draft-lottery hopeful to middle of the first round, 2. Her ability to read the opposing offense has set her apart. Kayla Jones (NC State, Combo Forward, Graduate Student). Questions the prospect raises: She's not the most efficient inside scorer, although her overall field-goal percentage has exponentially increased over the years. Pro-ready skill: Sabally is a center with a pro-ready body who is more equipped to handle the physicality of W than some of her peers. Sign in with NBA ID; Select TV . Offensively, Engstler's versatility is what makes her so valuable. Like many teams, the Sparks could really use some help on the wing. Gray can score at three levels and can especially create her own looks driving through the lane and on mid-range fadeaways. Pro-ready skill: Bell has been lauded for her physicality and versatility on offense. And then on the flip side, there were games when Westbrook looked hesitant and afraid to play aggressively. Sjerven put her name on the map after three double-digit scoring performances against fellow W prospects in Shakira Austin, NaLyssa Smith and Naz Hillmon in the NCAA tournament. According to Em Adler at The Next, she'll also need to work on her ability to draw contact on penetration. As Padover put it when he was hired, he is building things from the "ground up," and the team needs help in every single department. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN. Questions the prospect raises: The issue for Hull is her physicality (how strong she is and her ability to absorb contact) and athleticism (agility and quickness) aren't quite there for immediate success and impact. She's slow to change angles to get better positioning. Ramirez is an excellent spot-up shooter who canned. Mya Hollingshed (Colorado, Small Forward, Fifth-Year Senior). Examining her performance in the national championship game against South Carolina versus her clutch showing in the Elite Eight against NC State illustrates those struggles. But Each Team's Path Was Far From It. In came Liz Cambage, Chennedy Carter, Jordin Canada and Katie Lou Samuelson. Questions the prospect raises: While Hollingshed's shot has improved, it's still not mechanically as sound as it could be. During the 2021-2022 season, she only shot, Egbo had difficulty adapting to new coach Nicki Collen's system at first, but. Guides Guides. Questions the prospect raises: Inconsistency has been Williams' downfall throughout her college career and has prevented her from reaching her potential as a guard thus far. 2022; WNBA. While scoring most likely won't be what she hangs her hat on at the next level, she can be relied upon to set a solid screen, roll and find the best look. She turned the ball over 2.1 times per game and picked up 2.2 fouls per contest, Thursday during a predraft call. She's quicker on her feet while mid-post-up, which allows her to plow through defenses on her finishes. Due to those factors, it was not surprising to see them trade the Nos. I think Im just never satisfied, Miller said following the draft. Every WNBA draft has the potential to reshape the league. So how will they approach the draft? Questions the prospect raises: While the 5'7" Pointer has proved herself as a talented scoring guard, her push passes at point guard could use work. while averaging 6.5 attempts per game in her final collegiate season. Pro-ready skill: In her six-year collegiate career, Lewis always had a free-throw rate (a percentage of two-point scoring trips that result in a trip to the free-throw line, according to Her Hoops Stats) in the 92nd percentile or above. She successfully exposed smaller guards who defended her one-on-one. Austin's defense is pro-ready, as she has a solid handle on her footwork at 6'5". It was exclusively televised on ESPN in the United States and on TSN3/5 in Canada. Questions the prospect raises: Sabally only played in two collegiate seasons due to two ACL tears, and during the 2021-2022 season, she reinjured her right knee. A'ja Wilson And The Aces Finally Fulfilled Their Championship Potential. If she starts hitting threes, shell be an All-Star. Of course, plenty of surprises could come on draft night, but this gives a strong indication of the first round talent that is available in this years draft class. If she simply retains the efficiency she showed in her final year at Maryland, shell be an immediate contributor for Cheryl Reeves Lynx in Year 1 of the post-Sylvia Fowles Era. Pro-ready skill: At only 19, Melbourne is an impressive lane slasher playing in the WNBL against WNBA pros Sami Whitcomb, Jackie Young and Marina Mabrey. WNBA 2022 Draft Tracker Round by round results of the 2022 WNBA Draft , including rookie contract details. It all made for a fascinating reshuffling of the leagues talent base, just a week after the NCAA Final Four and a little over a month until the 2023 season begins on May 19. During the 2021-2022 season, she only shot 25.7 percent on 35 total attempts. They already weren't super deep there, and that's even more true without Griner. Collen's system was much closer to what Egbo would be put into at the pro level. How much potential she has at her size is what might make Austin most exciting to WNBA talent evaluators. She took Michigan to the Elite Eight for the first time in 2022. During the WNBA Draft 2022 presented by State Farm on April 11, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN with exclusive coverage beginning at 7 p.m. 1. "The great thing about Pointer is she plays taller than she is," Dunn, . From the pre-draft activities, including the Hoopbus tour . Questions the prospect raises: While Smith has developed her game quite quickly after only a season under former WNBA coach Nicki Collen, her perimeter play still has a ways to go if she is to reach her potential. She's not the most efficient inside scorer, although her overall field-goal percentage has exponentially increased over the years. They haven't made the playoffs since 2016, have won just six games in each of the last two seasons and have cut both of their last two lottery picks after a combined 44 games with the club. But before they could add a potential franchise-changing talent, head coach and GM Mike Thibault made a stunning trade to send the first pick to the Dream in exchange for the Nos. I think its going to allow me to be able to work a little bit better. Regardless of who they take, the Mystics will hope that with better health this season, they can get back into the playoff mix. The draft . While Smith also can defend well, according to. While South Carolina came out victorious in the national championship game against UConn, the concerns were mainly about the Gamecocks' spacing, which was an issue during the regular season and the SEC tournament. Last years worst teams just got a lot better. 3 is anyone's guess. Destanni Henderson (South Carolina, Guard, Senior). Lets start with general manager Lin Dunns Fever, who have utilized the last two drafts masterfully after how do we put this? Home; WNBA Drafts; Player Rankings; About us; To really appreciate Boston, though, youve got to watch her she simply doesnt miss defensive assignments. Jordan Lewis (Baylor, Guard, Graduate Student). 1, and what will happen once we get beyond No. Home; Tickets; Schedule. 1 to Fever, An inside look at the Wings' draft process, 2022 WNBA Draft: Teams needs and best fits, Aces' owner Davis denies improper payment reports, Brady acquires ownership stake in WNBA's Aces, Ionescu card sets new WNBA record for highest price. The draft is set to air Monday, April 11, exactly. The top-two prospects of the 2022 draft class are Baylor University forward NaLyssa Smith and University of Kentucky guard Rhyne Howard. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Announces 13 Members for the Class of 2022. Jade Melbourne (Australia, Guard, International Prospect). Emphasis on the "wants to," which was exactly how Dream general manager Dan Padover. Only a few players from last season's team remain. Pro-ready skill: Austin's defense is pro-ready, as she has a solid handle on her footwork at 6'5". She also is coming from a mid-major school in Delaware that didn't allow her to compete against the more pro-ready talents in the country. While South Carolina came out victorious in the national championship game against UConn, the concerns were mainly about the Gamecocks' spacing, which was an issue during the regular season and the SEC tournament. In the meantime, New York, which drafted Okako Adika of USC with the 30th pick, and Las Vegas, which selected Brittany Davis with the last pick of the draft, may not have altered their fortunes much on Monday. Inconsistency has been Williams' downfall throughout her college career and has prevented her from reaching her potential as a guard thus far. Questions the prospect raises: Engstler's limits on offense, especially her ability to score on the inside, might prevent talent evaluators from taking a chance on her. Wells can score at all three levels, especially succeeding when she creates in space. Also, how will she adapt to being more of a serviceable player rather than being the nucleus of what her team does? At 6'1", she's a post player who can facilitate, move well off the ball and score fluidly in transition, and she's proved she can make a catch-and-shoot jump shot from beyond the arc. Projected draft position: Middle to late first round, 3. Pro-ready skill: Ramirez is an excellent spot-up shooter who canned 40.2 percent from three while averaging 6.5 attempts per game in her final collegiate season. She also struggles to adapt to the physicality needed when she's faced with a double-team. All Rights Reserved. Like, ever. Projected draft position: Late first round to early second, 4. 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