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WNBA draft open thread

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Illinois

* Have at it.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 10:04 am

Comments

The Chicago Sky will win it all this year, nobody is getting anything easy in the paint

Comment by skychamps Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 10:09 am
I am looking forward to seeing the Sky compete at the top this year, or maybe next- the transition to pro ball can take a while. The Sky got some great players. I thought that I would only be interested in Clark but now that the Sky has Angel and Kamilla and a top coach, I think that “the Sky” has no limit!

Comment by Banish Misfortune Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 10:10 am
The story of Kamilla Cardoso is so inspiring. To leave your home at 15 and move to a new country to go after your dream is amazing. I was emotional last night watching her be drafted.

Comment by You love to see it Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 10:12 am
I am excited about this year. They got some great players and I expect them to compete at the top- this year or next- the transition to pro ball can take some time. I think Angel and Kamilla will really change it up- really, “the Sky” has no limit.

Comment by Banish Misfortune Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 10:18 am
In a world gone mad, I found myself rooting for the Hawkeyes and now a pro team from Indiana.

Comment by Occasionally Moderated Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 10:18 am
We were never going to get Caitlin Clark but I feel really good about our choices. The Sky may actually be watchable and somewhat competitive again this year. It’s been painful at times.

Comment by New Day Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 10:35 am
My youngest daughter is a huge Clark fan ( saw her at three different Big 10 stadiums) Weeks ago we bought tickets for the June 23 Sky vs Fever game. Adding Cardoso/Reese makes it even better.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 10:37 am
Vegas had a great second round, including Kitley (go Hokies), if her knee heals sufficiently.

Comment by H-W Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 10:46 am
The Athletic was very negative on the trade the Sky made to secure the #7 pick, especially giving Minnesota the right to swap first round picks next year. 2025 viewed as being a strong draft as the extra year of COVID eligibility expires for many athletes.

Comment by Original Rambler Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 11:01 am
Vegas also got a great pick with an Illinois connection in Kate Martin. She’s from Edwardsville. The whole night was a great event and fun to watch.

Comment by Blago’s Hare Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 11:13 am
I don’t think Angel Reese is going to be a very good pro-player. I think the Sky reached a bit. But the second best scorer (Rickea Jackson) was gone.

Clark is going to have to become much better on the ball in the WNBA. She’s a great passer and we all know she can shoot, but I saw her exposed a bit this year when pressured strongly with an aggressive man to man defense.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 11:13 am
===I saw her exposed a bit this year when pressured strongly===

The final game was not good for her. She seemed to lose a lot of her swagger. The first turnover wasn’t even after a whole lot of pressure, she just didn’t seem to be paying attention.

No doubt, though, she’s great for the game. Amazing.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 11:16 am
Clark put all she had into winning the Semi, same as last year. the players around her were no where near the level of the players that UConn & SC had. Nika Muhl on Clark in the semi was outstanding. I’m sure Clark was exhausted. the focus is on her all the time. but in the pros, it will not just be a focus on her. Her D is not strong but her passing and shooting is. Pretty exciting to see her play with Aliyah Boston. did you see how exicted the Fever players were to get her as a pick? they threw on jerseys and danced around. Boston is really good. Clark free to be Clark.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 11:40 am
Now trading Kaleah Copper makes perfect sense. It will take them time to gel, but as far as rebounding and taking away shots in the paint, the Sky should be dominant. Plus this will be a young core that could once again be attractive to a vet looking for a ring in a couple of years.

Comment by levivotedforjudy Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 12:13 pm
@Donnie Elgin, good thinking on those Sky/Fever tickets. I just checked and they are ranging from $400 for a decent seat to $1100 for a very good seat.

Comment by Lurker Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 12:38 pm
Need to correct my post. Sky gave up their second round pick in 2025 along with the right to swap first round picks in 2026. Hope Reese is worth it but I have my doubts.

Comment by Original Rambler Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 12:49 pm
=No doubt, though, she’s great for the game. Amazing.=

Unbelievable for game.

She killed it on SNL this weekend.

I happened to be in an elevator a few weeks back in NYC and a woman was wearing a Hawkeye pullover. We had a quick chat about, her words, “our girls”.

In NYC, talking woman’s college basketball, like you would the Knicks.

=I’m sure Clark was exhausted. the focus is on her all the time. but in the pros, it will not just be a focus on her. Her D is not strong but her passing and shooting is=

She saw everyone’s A game all year and it was elevated in the tournament.

I can’t wait to see her distribute to pro players. Her vision and passing are nearly unrivaled. Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston are going to benefit greatly.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Tuesday, Apr 16, 24 @ 1:11 pm