NCAAW / WNBA

WNBA Mock Draft 3.0: March Madness Edition

- by Todd Roman

WNBA free agency is completed now and coaches and general managers are now focusing on scouting for the upcoming draft. The league confirmed that the draft will take place on Monday, April 1 and air on ESPN at 7:00 pm.

The NCAA women’s tournament kicks off Wednesday, March 16, how a team advances can determine a potential prospects’ draft stock. Mid-majors are the most affected by the tournament. However, any team with a bubble prospect can be thrust into the spotlight and create the annual “Cinderella” story. Since version 2.0, a few trades have involved some draft picks. Most notable is a trade sending Teaira McCowan to the Dallas Wings. Five draft picks were swapped, with Indiana now receiving the fourth and sixth overall picks while Dallas lands the seventh overall. The deal also included an exchange of first-round picks in 2023.

My top three picks remain unchanged and should remain locked in until the draft.

First Round

#1. Washington Mystics – Rhyne Howard, 6’2 SF, Kentucky

Averaged 20.6 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game in her senior season. In Kentucky’s run to winning the SEC championship, Howard averaged, through four games, 22 ppg while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range. Her ability to handle the ball, run the floor, and post-up inside locks her into the top pick for the Mystics.

#2. Indiana Fever – NaLyssa Smith, 6’2 PF, Baylor

Smith’s tournament run in the Big 12 tournament has been stellar even despite Baylor’s loss in the final to Texas. During the Big 12 tournament, Smith would average 27 ppg and 10.8 rpg while shooting 50.6 percent from the field. A dominant post player in every aspect of the game. With McCowan now in Dallas, this can allow Smith to be the preeminent big for Indiana.

#3. Atlanta Dream – Shakira Austin, 6’5 C, Ole Miss

Austin nearly averaged a double-double during February while shooting 56.3 percent from the field. In the SEC tournament, Ole Miss’ two-game run had Austin bring in 21.5 ppg and 9.5 rebounds per game. The Dream’s biggest need after free agency is in the post and Austin remains the best available for Atlanta. Austin should remain a lock as the Dream’s pick barring a disaster in the NCAA tournament.

#4. Indiana Fever – Kierstan Bell, 6’1 SF, Florida Gulf Coast

Bell recently dropped 26 points on 11-22 shooting in Florida Gulf Coast’s ASUN Championship win against Jacksonville State. Probably the best all-around offensive player in the draft. Bell can score from anywhere on the court while also contributing on the rebounding side. Indiana’s next biggest need is on the wing and Bell would be a nice compliment alongside NaLyssa and Kelsey Mitchell.

#5. New York Liberty – Naz Hillmon, 6’2 PF, Michigan

The Liberty still need added depth in the post even after signing Stef Dolson to a multi-year deal. Despite an early exit in the Big Ten tournament, Michigan’s Naz Hillmon stands as the Liberty’s best option. Hillmon’s a force inside, having nearly averaged a double-double in her senior season. In addition, Hillmon brings a legit rebounder to New York and a solid post-up game. Giving Natasha Howard more ability to float outside of the paint while allowing her to defend opposing bigs should free up Hillmon to score more easily at the next level.

#6. Indiana Fever – Nia Clouden, 5’8 PG/SG, Michigan State

The Fever secured a post with the second overall pick and a wing taken with their fourth overall. Now they look to add depth at the guard position. Clouden’s ability to play both guard positions is an asset to good to pass on. A legit combo guard to play alongside Kelsey Mitchell or Danielle Robinson in stretches and lock into the future of the Fever franchise. Clouden averaged 20 ppg, just over 4 assists per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from long range. Clouden needs to develop her defensive game at the next level on a crowded Fever roster to see significant minutes.

#7. Dallas Wings – Ashley Joens, 6’0 SF, Iowa State

The instant offense appears to be what coach Vickie Johnson wants in Dallas. With McCowan recently acquired, Dallas should look to lock up a legit shooter on the wing. Joens averaged 20.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg and 2.1 assists per game in her senior season and has that shooter’s touch. She shot 41 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from long range. Her ability to create her own shot, whether driving into the lane or running the floor, gives Dallas added depth in the backcourt as well. Wings have a crowded roster, mainly in the post, so Joens should see some minutes from the beginning.

#8. Minnesota Lynx – Sika Kone, 6’3 PF, Mali

The Lynx salary cap issues plus Kone’s recent MCL injury drop her to Minnesota as a deferral pick. It’s unlikely she comes over this season being scheduled to be out 4-6 months. The Lynx are already in a situation where they need to cut several from Bridget Carleton, Rennia Davis, Jessica Shepard, Rachel Banham and Natasha Mack. Not having to try and squeeze this pick onto their roster would be a great asset for Cheryl Reeve. Kone could be a valuable player for 2023 and beyond, with Sylvia Fowles retiring after this season.

#9. Los Angeles Sparks – Rae Burrell, 6’1 SF, Tennessee

Burrell has been fairly solid since her return this season after her injury. Since Feb. 6, Burrell has averaged 13.6 ppg. An early exit from the SEC tournament shouldn’t deter teams from passing on her. A high-volume shooter for Tennessee should prove to be an asset for Derek Fisher’s Sparks squad.

#10. Indiana Fever – Nyara Sabally, 6’3 PF/C, Oregon (Redshirt junior)

The Fever can take a risk here in drafting Sabally. Though injury-prone, Sabally can provide added depth in the post that they might lack now with McCowan traded to Dallas. Fever needs young talent on the inside, as Jantel Lavender is not a long-term solution.

#11. Las Vegas Aces – Lorela Cubaj, 6’4 PF/C, Georgia Tech

Cubaj had a poor showing in the recent ACC tournament. Lorela went scoreless against Wake Forest and only dropped 4 points in Georgia Tech’s loss to Notre Dame. Despite this, Cubaj still averaged a double-double in her senior season with 10.1 ppg and 11.1 rpg. The Aces added in center Kalani Brown off of a standout season in Athletes Unlimited. Drafting Cubaj can now solidify the Aces’ frontcourt and give Hammon a legit rebounder top pair up with A’ja Wilson or play Cubaj alongside Brown.

#12. Connecticut Sun – Jade Melbourne, 5’10 PG, Australia

The Sun’s salary cap situation essentially doesn’t allow them to keep this pick unless they trade a guaranteed contract somehow. The now two-year-old CBA appears to be squeezing out more and more draft picks. Regardless, the soon-to-be 20-year-old Melbourne would be the Sun’s deferral pick here and secure her rights for the long term.

Second Round

#13. Minnesota – Veronica Burton, 5’9 PG, Northwestern

Burton would be the greatest need for Minnesota and competition with Dangerfield and Banham despite salary cap issues. The Lynx need to look towards the future in terms of point guards and Burton is the best remaining. Burton averaged 17.8 ppg, 6.4 apg and 4 steals per game. She needs to work on her three-point shooting and turnovers.

#14. Atlanta – Jasmine Dickey, 5’10 SG, Delaware

Unchanged from version 2.0. Much needed instant offense for Atlanta and a solid player to come off their bench.

#15. Atlanta – Emily Engstler, 6’1 SF, Louisville

It gives the Dream a solid defender. It could potentially go higher considering the lack of wings in the draft.

#16. Los Angeles – Destanni Henderson, 5’8 PG, South Carolina

Potential camp competition for Los Angeles. Could beat out Guirantes or Te’a Cooper for the final roster spot.

#17. Seattle – Christyn Williams, 5’11 SG, UCONN

Williams stock has risen towards the end of the season. The Storm need some young depth at the guard spot and Williams is the best available. Capable of playing either position, too, as Williams is a strong ball-handler and facilitator. She needs to cut down on her turnovers.

#18. Seattle – Elissa Cunane, 6’5 C, NC State

Strongest remaining post player for Seattle to take. She needs to work on her rebounding, turnovers and shot selection.

#19. Los Angeles – Serena Kessler, 6’0 SG/SF, France

Deferral pick. Sparks already had a crowded roster prior to the draft. Adding in Burrell and Henderson makes making this roster much harder. Many contracts will expire after this season, so Kessler can potentially come over in 2023.

#20. Indiana – Bethy Mununga, 6’0 SF, South Florida

Does Dunn continue to stack her camp roster or go deferral? Considering the Fever’s lack of depth on the wing, they should take the best available here with Mununga. She can play either forward position, solid rebounder and defender. She lacks an outside shot and a post-up game.

#21. Seattle – Khayla Pointer, 5’7 PG, LSU

Likely camp fodder. Though the Storm need a replacement point guard after this season. Pointer stands as the best available here. Khayla averaged 19 ppg, 5.2 apg and 6.5 rpg. She needs to work on her outside shot.

#22. Minnesota – Olivia Nelson-Ododa, 6’5 C, UCONN

Best available post for Minnesota to bring into for camp competition. She is a solid defender and has seen a rise in her offensive game during the season. She can be clunky in the paint and needs to work on rebounding.

#23. Las Vegas – Taylor Mikesell, 5’11 SG/SF, Ohio State

Third in the NCAA in three-point shooting (46.7%). Solid all-around shooter. She needs to work on her defensive game and rebounding.

#24. Connecticut – Mya Hollingshed, 6’3 SF, Colorado

Best available player. Able to play either forward position. Can give competition to Mompremier and Kaila Charles. She needs to work on her rebounding and turnovers.

Third Round

#25. Indiana – Macee Williams, 6’2 PF, IUPUI

#26. Phoenix – Queen Egbo, 6’3 C, Baylor

#27. Los Angeles – Jenna Staiti, 6’4 C, Georgia

#28. Minnesota – Reka Dombai, 5’11 SG, Hungary

#29. New York – Myah Taylor, 5’7 PG, Mississippi State

#30. Dallas – Jordan Lewis, 5’7 PG, Baylor

#31. Dallas – Evina Westbrook, 6’0 SG, UCONN

#32. Phoenix – Cierra Hooks, 5’8 SG, Ohio

#33. Seattle – Kamila Borkowska, 6’7 C, Poland

#34. Indiana – Eden Zipel, 6’0 SF, Israel

#35. Las Vegas – Nancy Mulkey, 6’9 C, Washington

#36. Connecticut – Brooke Flowers, 6’5 C, Saint Louis

Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for 2022 WNBA content. Todd Roman is on Twitter too. Follow Todd @TBRBWAY.

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