Each year, the WNBA holds a draft in order to select new players. Drafts draw players from a talented pool of women's hockey players. In 1997, the first WNBA Draft took place. Today, there are nearly 60 teams. The draft is made up of a number of categories, including overall strength as well as speed and athleticism. It also provides teams with the chance to acquire a new star.
Shakira Austin
The Lakers are expected to be a contender this season and the selection of Austin will give them depth at the 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. She also has excellent defensive instincts, but the WNBA's toughest defense will test her limits on both sides of the ball.
Washington Mystics drafted Shakira Austin at No. The WNBA Draft's No. 3 pick. She is the sixth Ole Miss product who has been drafted in 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 from an athlete family. Her grandfather was drafted in round two by the Washington Bullets, 1978. Her father was a Grambling basketball player. Hollingshed loved soccer as a junior and senior player, but her mom felt it was too competitive.
The Las Vegas Aces had her considered a wing player, but decided against it. They didn't want her to be unavailable at No. 11 or later. Hollingshed is still a possibility and won't be turned down. Regardless, it's likely that her WNBA career will begin in the future.
Nyara Sabally
Nyara Sabally, a large man, was selected by New York Liberty on Monday in the fifth round. Sabally is unable to play due to a knee injury. Sika Kone was also chosen by the team as No. After undergoing surgery to her right knee in March, she was ranked 29. Sabally was a top choice because of her size. But her knee issues have made it a risky selection.
In addition to being drafted as the fifth overall pick, Sabally is the sister of Oregon star Satou Sabally, who plays for the Dallas Wings. While she has yet to enter the WNBA, she has been a standout for the Ducks. She was drafted along with her sister in 2020, becoming the first siblings to reach the first round since Chiney & Nneka Ogwumike (2008 draft). Sabally could be just as talented as her sister.