WNBA first round mock draft

An exciting and record-breaking women’s college basketball season has come to an end. With this being said, the players have little time to rest and reminisce as the WNBA draft is quickly approaching.

The draft will take place on Monday, April 15. Here’s a mock draft of this year's first round, which features some very promising talent.

1. Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark, Iowa

Age: 22 | Position: PG | Height: 6-foot

For the second year in a row, the Indiana Fever have the number one overall pick. Similar to last year’s Aliyah Boston, Clark has been the high favorite to be first off the board since the start of her senior season. Clark is a two-time Naismith Player of the Year and is the best scorer that the women’s game has ever seen. Clark finished her collegiate career with 3,951 points, 1,144 assists and 990 rebounds, as well as leading Iowa to two consecutive National Championships. Clark brought a lot of attention to the college game, and there is no doubt she will do the same for the WNBA when she is the number one selection.

2. Los Angeles Sparks: Cameron Brink, Stanford

Age: 22 | Position: PF/C | Height: 6-foot-4

Brink had a disappointing end to her collegiate career, but she was still named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. In the NCAA tournament, Brink totaled 32 rebounds and 18 blocks in 70 minutes played. While she is most known for her defense, Brink is productive on both ends of the floor. Brink’s versatility is the reason she is likely to get drafted No. 2 overall. The Sparks need a player like Brink after losing all-star Nneka Ogwumike to free agency.

3. Chicago Sky: Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina

Age: 22 | Position: C | Height: 6-foot-7

Cardoso boosted her draft stock by winning Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. Cardoso is dominant when she is inside the paint, proving so in the National Championship game in which she had 15 points and 17 rebounds. There aren’t many players who can match Cardoso’s size and strength. She would be a perfect selection for the Sky as they try to start their rebuild.

4. Los Angeles Sparks: Rickea Jackson, Tennessee

Age: 23 | Position: SF | Height: 6-foot-2

Jackson has been the star at Tennessee the past two seasons. Jackson’s best quality is that she knows how to put the ball in the basket. In her senior season, Jackson averaged 20.2 points per game and had a career-high 22 three-pointers. Jackson already has the athleticism of a professional, and not to mention the great ball-handling skills for a player her size. She should not fall below No. 4 in this draft.

5. Dallas Wings: Jacy Sheldon, Ohio State

Age: 23 | Position: G | Height: 5-foot-10

The Wings have an array of decisions to make with their No. 5 selection, and this might even be the biggest question of the draft. Dallas could draft Aaliyah Edwards which would stack the locker room with another forward, they could also make an effective trade or draft a much-needed guard. The third option is probably the best, especially with Sheldon still available. This season Sheldon averaged 17.8 points per game and led the Buckeyes to a Big-Ten regular season championship. Sheldon is an aggressive two-way guard who possesses great defensive leadership, which is something Dallas needs.

6. Washington Mystics: Aaliyah Edwards, UConn

Age: 21 | Position: PF | Height: 6-foot-3

Edwards had an amazing NCAA Tournament showing that proved her readiness for the big leagues. Edwards had 17 points, eight rebounds and five steals in UConn’s Final Four game against Iowa. Edwards is strong, athletic and efficient, which could lead to a great future as a pro post player. Edwards will need to expand some aspects of her game including her short range and difficulty defending the perimeter.

7. Minnesota Lynx: Angel Reese, LSU

Age: 21 | Position: PF/C | Height: 6-foot-3

Reese’s biggest strength is rebounding, and she’s used this skill. However, the biggest question about Reese is how her offensive game will translate to the WNBA. This was evident in the Elite Eight when Reese shot just 7-of-21. With the right team, Reese can certainly improve her offensive efficiency, especially since she has proven herself to be a hard worker and competitive player.

8. Chicago Sky: Isobel Borlase, Australia

Age: 19 | Position: PG | Height: 5-foot-11

Women’s basketball may not be familiar with this name yet, but they will be as time comes. At just 19 years old, Borlase has already played professional basketball as a member of the Adelaide Lightning in Australia’s WNBL. Borlase is a big guard who knows how to use size to her advantage. In her most recent season with Adelaide, Borlase led her team with 15.6 points per game and also averaged 2.5 assists per game.

9. Dallas Wings: Nyadiew Pouch, Australia

Age: 19 | Position: PF | Height: 6-foot-3

Pouch is another young talent from Australia’s WNBL with a bright future in the bigs. The interesting thing about this pick is that Dallas likely only has room for one more roster spot. They will likely use this pick as a draft-and-stash, which is why it is best to go with a young player who has time to develop. Pouch is athletic and versatile, providing great production on the defensive side of the ball.

10. Connecticut Sun: Alissa Pili, Utah

Age: 22 | Position: SF | Height: 6-foot-2

If there is one thing that the Sun needs, it's some shooting help. Pili is the best available player in the draft to fill this gap. Pili made 40.4% of her three-point attempts, while averaging 21.4 points per game in her senior season at Utah. The biggest question of Pili’s game is her defensive ability, which has room for improvement and could cause her to struggle in the pros.

11. New York Liberty: Charisma Osborne, UCLA

Age: 22 | Position: G | Height: 5-foot-9

The main reason for the Liberty falling short in the WNBA finals a season ago was their lack of perimeter defense. Osborne is the perfect candidate to fill this spot. Osborne has a great all-around game and would be the ideal fit to add depth to New York’s guard play.

12. Atlanta Dream: Dyaisha Fair, Syracuse

Age: 22 | Position: PG | Height: 5-foot-5

The Dream are in need of another guard. With the final pick of the first round, Atlanta will likely have the options of Dyaisha Fair and UConn’s Nika Muhl. Fair is probably the better option due to her high-scoring abilities. Fair was the best scorer this season not named Caitlin Clark. She finished her collegiate career with 3,403 points, which is third most all-time in NCAA women’s basketball history. Fair has gotten overlooked because of her size, but is an all-around player with the ability to become a great WNBA star if given the chance.

Gianna Dowling is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her please email gmd5738@psu.edu.