Each year, the WNBA holds a Draft to select new players. The draft draws from a talent pool that includes women's basketball stars. 1997 was the first WNBA Draft. Today there are 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 to be a contender this season and the selection of Austin will give them depth at the center position. Austin can also guard multiple positions, which is a plus with their veteran depth. Austin excels outside of the basket and will enjoy Delle Donne's presence. She has great defensive instincts and will face the WNBA’s toughest defense.
Washington Mystics took Shakira Travis with the No. 3 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. She is the sixth Ole Miss product who has been drafted in WNBA. Austin was a Ole Miss Golden Eagles member for two seasons. She earned first team All-SEC honors while playing for the team and helped it reach its first NCAA tournament appearance.
Mya Hollingshed
Mya Hollingshed was on the Pre-Woden Award Watch List, but despite her impressive stats, she has never played basketball. She comes from a family of athletes. Her grandfather was drafted second by the Washington Bullets 1978. Her father played basketball in Grambling. Hollingshed was a soccer player in her senior and junior years. However, her mother found the sport too competitive.
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 is unlikely to be overlooked and she will still have a shot. It's possible that Hollingshed's WNBA career will start in the near future.
Nyara Sabally
Nyara Sabally of New York was selected in the fifth round by the New York Liberty. Sabally is unable to play due to a knee injury. Sika Kone was also chosen by the team as No. After undergoing surgery to her right knee in March, she was ranked 29. Sabally was a top pick because of her size, but her knee issues have made her 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. In 2020, she and her sister were drafted together. This was their first time in the draft since Chiney Ogwumike (2008). Sabally could be just as talented as her sister.