Each year, the WNBA holds a Draft to select new players. The draft draws players from a talent pool of women's basketball 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. The draft also gives teams the opportunity to pick up a new star.
Shakira Austin
The Lakers are expected as a contender in the upcoming season. Austin will be their depth at the centre position. Austin is well-suited to play multiple positions and can be trusted with veteran depth and players. Austin excels outside of the basket and will enjoy Delle Donne's presence. She is also a skilled defender, but the WNBA will put her to the test on both ends of the court.
Washington Mystics drafted Shakira Austin at No. She was the third overall pick in WNBA Draft. She is sixth Ole Miss Product to be drafted into the WNBA. Austin played for the Ole Miss Golden Eagles for two seasons, earning first-team All-SEC honors and helping the team reach its first NCAA tournament appearance 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, who was drafted by the Washington Bullets in the second round in 1978, played basketball at Grambling. Hollingshed played soccer in her senior and junior years but her mother didn't like the competitive nature of the sport.
The Las Vegas Aces had her considered a wing player, but decided against it. They weren't willing to risk her not being 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
Nyara Sabally was the big man selected by New York Liberty in Monday's fifth round of the WNBA Draft. Sabally is unable to play due to a knee injury. Sika Konge was also selected by team. Sika Kone was the 29th pick. She had surgery on her right side in March. Sabally was a top pick because of her size, but her knee issues have made her a risky pick.
Apart from being the fifth overall draft pick, Sabally is also the sister of Oregon's star Satou Sabally who plays for Dallas Wings. While she hasn't yet made it to the WNBA she was a standout for her Ducks team. She and her sister were drafted together in 2020, becoming the first sisters to make the first round since Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike in the 2008 draft. Sabally might be as smart as her sister.