With the 2024 WNBA Draft on the horizon, the declaration of Iowa's Caitlin Clark for the draft, Paige Bueckers' decision to remain at UConn and Angel Reese's announcement to go pro have reshaped first-round predictions from our previous WNBA mock draft.
The WNBA Draft is Monday, April 15.
Clark, despite Iowa's 87-75 loss to South Carolina on Sunday in the NCAA title game, has had a season that positions her as the likely No. 1 pick. Her collegiate journey culminated in becoming the all-time leading scorer in NCAA basketball, surpassing Pete Maravich's record with a total of 3,951 points. Her college career, highlighted by several broken records and leadership, makes her a prime candidate to revitalize franchises like the Indiana Fever, looking for a player capable of transforming their team's dynamics.
On the other side, Reese's decision to enter the WNBA Draft shortly after LSU's 94-87 loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight, despite her own offensive struggles during that critical game, highlights her resilience and defensive capabilities, making her a valuable asset for teams looking for a strong defensive presence.
1. Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark, guard, Iowa
Despite not clinching the championship title, there is little question that Clark will still be the No. 1 pick. Her final collegiate season saw her breaking several scoring records, and she became one of 10 women to earn the title of Naismith Player of the Year multiple times. She rounded out her time with the Hawkeyes with a staggering 3,951 career points. Her leadership and competitiveness are exactly what the Fever need to revitalize their franchise and excite their fan base. Clark's ability to elevate those around her will make her an immediate focal point in Indiana's offense.
2. Los Angeles Sparks: Cameron Brink, forward, Stanford
Brink emerges as a pivotal figure for the Sparks, blending immediate rim protection with an expanding offensive toolkit, perfectly aligning with Los Angeles's needs during their rebuilding phase. Standing at 6-foot-4 and leading Division I in blocks, her defensive prowess sets her apart, making her a cornerstone for the Sparks' interior defense, particularly in the wake of Nneka Ogwumike's departure. This defensive capability is underscored by her performance during the tournament, where Brink notched 32 rebounds and 18 blocks (per Jon Hoefling of USA Today) showcasing the kind of defensive machine she is, even in a class touted as one of the most talented in WNBA Draft history.
3. Chicago Sky: Kamilla Cardoso, center, South Carolina
At 6-foot-7, Cardoso introduces a formidable presence that the Sky could greatly benefit from, encapsulating elite shot-blocking and rebounding skills capable of anchoring any defense. Her height, combined with exceptional strength and agility, places her as a unique talent in women's basketball, suggesting she could be a top pick in the draft, especially coming off South Carolina's championship win and 38-0 season.
4. Los Angeles Sparks: Rickea Jackson, forward, Tennessee
Jackson, with her blend of mobility and versatility at 6-foot-2, provides the Sky with a multifaceted forward capable of scoring in various ways. Her average of 18.9 points and 7.9 rebounds illustrates her ability to impact the game, per Michael Voepel of ESPN. Jackson's skillsets suggest that, alongside talents like Brink, she could significantly enhance the Sparks' lineup.
5. Dallas Wings: Aaliyah Edwards, forward, UConn
Edwards' impressive averages of 18.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game showcase her capability to dominate inside while her skill set extends to hitting mid-range jumpers, highlighting her versatility on the court. This versatility was on full display during the tournament, seen in a 17-point, eight-rebound and five-steal performance in UConn's Final Four matchup against Iowa (via Jack Maloney, CBS Sports). Despite some critique over the range of her jumper, Edwards' overall game leaves little room for doubt. Her efficiency, athleticism and strong work ethic, combined with her ability to contribute significantly in multiple facets of the game, make her a valuable addition to the Wings.
6. Washington Mystics: Jacy Sheldon, guard, Ohio State
In her final year of college, Sheldon spearheaded Ohio State's journey to clinch the Big Ten regular-season title. Despite a letdown in the postseason, with the Buckeyes exiting the NCAA tournament in the second round, Sheldon is set to advance to the next level. She is regarded as one of the premier defensive guards in the upcoming draft. As the Mystics are in a phase of reconstruction, Sheldon's well-regarded leadership abilities are highly valued by Washington.
7. Minnesota Lynx: Angel Reese, forward, LSU
Reese's performance in LSU's Elite Eight defeat to Iowa highlighted her capabilities and shortcomings. Despite an ankle injury, she showed unwavering effort in defense and rebounding, though her field shooting was 7-of-21. Her challenges in offense are acknowledged, potentially affecting her draft position. However, her strengths make her an attractive option, particularly for a Lynx team without any significant needs.
8. Chicago Sky: Dyaisha Fair, guard, Syracuse
Fair concluded her five-year collegiate journey with a total of 3,403 points, averaging 22.2 points per game. She finished her collegiate career third on the all-time NCAA women's scoring list. Known for her speed, resolve, and often being overlooked due to her diminutive size, her significant scoring record suggests she might be a valuable asset for the Sky to consider.
9. Dallas Wings: Alissa Pili, forward, Utah
Pili's college career highlights her as an offensive talent with a notable ability to score in a variety of ways, including an impressive 3-point shooting track record (57 three-pointers in the current season and 121 throughout her college career). This skill set could offer the Wings a significant boost offensively, providing them with a versatile forward who can stretch defenses with her perimeter shooting while also competing for rebounds inside. Her offensive versatility could help diversify Dallas's attack strategies, potentially making her a valuable asset to the team's roster.
10. Connecticut Sun: Nyadiew Puoch, guard, Australia
The Dream's selection of Puoch would introduce a player with significant upside into the WNBA. Her international experience, coupled with her athleticism and defensive skills, promises to add valuable depth to Atlanta's wing rotation. Puoch's ability to stretch the floor and defend at a high level will be instrumental as the Dream look to climb the standings and establish a new identity under her contributions.
11. New York Liberty: Charisma Osborne, guard, UCLA
Osborne, a dynamic guard out of UCLA, brings a comprehensive skill set that includes defensive tenacity and a reliable scoring touch. Averaging 15 points and contributing on the defensive end, she's poised to bolster the Sky's backcourt with her versatility, offering Chicago a player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.
12. Atlanta Dream: Nika Muhl, guard, UConn*
While some media outlets have reported that Muhl will be heading to the WNBA, the UConn standout hasn't made any formal announcement outside of confirming that she would not be returning for a fifth year. Assuming she is declaring for the draft, Muhl, could be a potential addition for the Dream. Her performance against Iowa in the Final Four highlighted her tenacious defensive skills, especially against the powerhouse that is Caitlin Clark.
Other players to watch in the draft include Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley, who was sidelined from the ACC tournament due to suffering a season-ending knee injury in March. Meanwhile, other notable decisions include Virginia Tech's Georgia Amoore opting for a fifth year at Kentucky, thus removing herself from the draft contention, and Hailey Van Lith's move to enter the transfer portal.
As the 2024 WNBA Draft nears, athletes like Clark, Brink and Reese have made their marks on their college programs before stepping onto a bigger staff where their skills and potential will be tested against the best in women's basketball.
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