Every year, the WNBA holds a draft to pick new players for their teams. The draft draws from a talent pool that includes women's basketball stars. The first WNBA Draft was held in 1997. Today, there are almost 60 teams. There are many categories that the draft takes into consideration, such as overall strength, speed and athleticism. There is also the possibility to get a new superstar for your team.
Shakira Austin
The Lakers are expected be a contender this year and Austin's selection will add depth to their center position. Austin is well-suited to play multiple positions and can be trusted with veteran depth and players. Austin is an excellent player outside of the court and will benefit greatly from Delle Donne. Austin is also a good defensive player, but the WNBA's most challenging defenses will push her limits.
Washington Mystics took Shakira Travis with the No. She was the 3rd overall pick in WNBA Draft. She is the sixth Ole Miss graduate to be drafted by the WNBA. Austin was a member of the Ole Miss Golden Eagles' two-season team. She earned first-team All SEC honors, and helped the team reach the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2007.
Mya Hollingshed
Mya Hollingshed sat on the Pre-Woden Award Watch List this year, but despite her impressive numbers she never played basketball in her childhood. She is the daughter of an athlete. Her grandfather, who played basketball at Grambling in 1978, was drafted by Washington Bullets in the 2nd round. Hollingshed loved soccer as a junior and senior player, but her mom felt it was too competitive.
The Las Vegas Aces offered her a position as a player on the wing, but she refused. They were not willing to take the chance that she would be available at No. 11 or later. Hollingshed won't be passed up and will still have a chance. It is probable that her WNBA professional career will begin in future.
Nyara Sabally
Nyara Sabally was the big man selected by New York Liberty in Monday's fifth round of the WNBA Draft. Unfortunately, Sabally will not play this season because of a knee injury. Sika Kone, No. 29, was also picked by the team. She was also the No. 29 pick after she had surgery in March on her right leg. Sabally was a top choice because of her size. But her knee issues have made it a risky selection.
Not only was she the fifth overall pick but Sabally is also the sister to Oregon star Satou, who plays with the Dallas Wings. She is yet to be drafted in the WNBA but has been a strong player for the Ducks. In 2020, she was drafted with her sister. They were the first sisters to be drafted since Chiney Ogwumike and Nneka Okwumike in 2008. Sabally may prove to be as good as her sister.