Each year, the WNBA holds a draft in order to select new players. The draft draws players from a talent base of women's basketball athletes. In 1997, the first WNBA Draft took place. Today, there are nearly 60 teams. The draft includes a wide range of categories such as speed, overall strength and athleticism. There is also the possibility to get a new superstar for your team.
Shakira Austin
The Lakers are expected this season to be a major contender and Austin will provide them with depth at the center position. Austin can also guard multiple positions, which is a plus with their veteran depth. Austin is an excellent player outside of the court and will benefit greatly from Delle Donne. She has great defensive instincts and will face the WNBA’s toughest defense.
Washington Mystics selected Shakira Austin as the No. She was the third overall pick in WNBA Draft. She is sixth Ole Miss Product to be drafted into the WNBA. Austin was a two-year player for the Ole Miss Golden Eagles. She earned first-team All SEC honors and helped the team to its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2007.
Mya Hollingshed
Mya Hollingshed was a Pre-Woden Award Watch List participant this year. Despite her impressive numbers, she had never played in basketball as a child. She is the daughter of an athlete. Her grandfather was drafted in round two by the Washington Bullets, 1978. Her father was a Grambling basketball player. Hollingshed played soccer during her junior and senior years, but her mother felt the sport was too competitive for her.
Her Las Vegas Aces team considered her for a wing position, but she declined. They were not willing to take the chance that she would be available at No. 11 or later. Hollingshed will not be overlooked, but she still has a chance. However, it is likely that Hollingshed will be a WNBA player in the future.
Nyara Sabally
On Monday, Nyara Sabally, a big man from New York was selected by the New York Liberty in the fifth round. Sabally was injured in the knee and cannot play this season. Sika Kone, No. 29, was also picked by the team. Sika Kone was the 29th pick. She had surgery on her right side in March. Sabally was a top-pick because of her height, but her knee problems have made this a risky pick.
Out of the five-round draft, Sabally was also selected. She is the sister and star of Oregon, Satou Sabally, who plays in the Dallas Wings. She has been a standout player for the Ducks, even though she has not yet entered the WNBA. She was drafted in 2020 with her sister, making them the first sisters since Chiney and Nneka Obwumike in 2008's draft. Sabally may prove as great as her sister.