PLUM #1 OVERALL PICK
The 2017 WNBA Draft has been completed. Three rounds, 36 players and 12 teams. Kelsey Plum, Ms. Everything for Washington, was the first pick and goes to San Antonio...who will definitely appreciate her shooting and leadership skills. Even though San Antonio wasn't in dire need of a point-guard, her addition will give new head coach Vickie Johnson some viable options. The Stars also added forwards Nia Coffey (Northwestern) and Schaquiila Nunn (Tennessee) in the draft. Already possessing a pretty strong front line, it'll be interesting to see how these two fit into the schematics. Surprising to me was the overall third pick Evelyn Akhator (Kentucky)...who will go to the Dallas Wings. Sure, she was essential for Matthew Mitchell's squad her senior season...but Courtney Paris and Aerial Powers weren't that bad for the Wings. Dallas also got two South Carolina standouts in guards Allisha Gray and Kaela Davis in the first round. With Skylar Diggins already on the roster, that could be one tough-to-beat back court.
UK's Makayla Epps wasn't called until the third round, which was a bit surprising as well. She was the Cats "to-go" the last three seasons. The word is she was considered by some to be a disciplinary risk by some. Headed to Chicago, she'll play for Pokey Chapman and will be one of seven guards on a roster that has Courtney Vandersloot and Cappie Pondexter.
No Louisville WBB players were selected in the draft. It's possible Briahanna Jackson and Taylor Johnson could still receive invites to camps as free agent, walk-ons...time will tell. Cortnee Walton has no WNBA aspirations...but she could be covering the season one day as a sports reporter.
Asia Taylor is listed on the Washington Mystics roster and we'd love to see A-Tayy get a chance to play in the WNBA again. We'd love to see her play with Elena Della Donne. Shoni Schimmel is on the New York Liberty roster. Angel McCoughtry is listed on Atlanta's roster (along with 20 other players!). Angel announced in early January that she was going to take some time off and rest this season. That narrows it down for Michael Cooper when it comes to choosing a roster, right?
The ACC had seven players selected in the three rounds. Brittany Sykes and Alexis Peterson (Syracuse), Kai James and Leticia Romero (FSU), Lindsay Allen (Notre Dame), Adrienne Motley (Miami) and Oderah Chidom (Duke).
Not an overly impressive class, honestly...after you get past Plum and the South Carolina trio. I do like Brittany Sykes' potential (gee, do you wonder why?) and will be watching to see if Alexis Peterson can light it up in the big league like she did for "Q".
We'll follow the Louisville gals throughout the year and hope that B.J. and T.J. get a camp invite and do well. If not, there is money to be made in Europe and Australia...just ask Jazz Covington or A Tayy...
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>>>><><>>><><>><><>
COURIER-JOURNAL GIRLS ALL-STATE TEAMS
FIRST TEAM
Jaelynn Penn, Sr. Butler
Seygan Robins. Jr. Mercer County
Lindsey Duvall, Sr. Bullitt East
Princess Stewart, Sr., Franklin County
Macey Turley, Jr., Murray
Jordan Brock, Sr. Harlan
Ally Niece, Jr. Simon Kenton
Blair Green, Jr. Harlan County
Grace Berger, Jr., Sacred Heart
MacKenzie Coleman, Sr., Metcalfe County
Coach of the Year -- Chris Souder Mercer County
Two future Cards...not bad.
paulie
xxxxx
Nice honors for Lindsey and Seygan. Coach Souder too. I do hope Asia Taylor can stick with Washington. And Shoni, too.
ReplyDelete-- The Real Joe Hill --
Pokey Chapman coaches the Indiana Fever now
ReplyDeleteYes. My bad there. She sure gets around.
DeletePaulie
Chapman is a good coach
Deletebest WNBA coach is in Minn
DeleteGo Asia Taylor. Be cool if she sticks and plays. Ally Malot is 6'4 183 and Taylor is 6'1 161. They will be competing for a spot. Asia has overcome bigger odds before.
ReplyDeleteA Tayy's game just continues to improve, like a fine wine, with age. I hope she does get the inclusion.
DeletePaulie