2024 WNBA Draft highlights as Caitlin Clark is selected as No.1 pick
From the NCAA history-maker being selected by the Indiana Fever to Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese teaming up in Chicago, here are the key stories from the event held on 15 April.
Basketball
A generational class of women’s basketball talent entered the WNBA draft on Monday (15 April), with things going as expected by way of predictions.
Household name Caitlin Clark was Indiana Fever’s first overall pick, to no surprise.
Cameron Brink was second over, while NCAA Championship MVP Kamilla Cardoso was selected by Chicago Sky at No.3.
The 2024 WNBA season starts next month on Tuesday 14 May, and this incoming class of stars could help it be one of the biggest and best campaigns yet.
Ahead of that, we’re taking a look at some of the key stories from Monday’s showpiece event.
Caitlin Clark: No.1 selection
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark was the WNBA draft’s first-round pick, selected by the Indiana Fever.
The 22-year-old became the highest-scoring player in NCAA history last month, with 1,951 points.
She has 1,114 career assists and 990 rebounds, making her one hell of a pickup for a side who have failed to reach the playoffs since 2016.
“I dreamed of this moment since I was in second grade and it’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of ups and downs, but more than anything, just trying to soak it in,” Clark said.
“The organisation has one of the best post players in the entire world - my point guard eyes light up with that.”
Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese team up in Chicago
With two first-round picks, Chicago Sky have brought together two of the best in class right now in the form of Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese.
Cardoso (no.3) was named NCAA Championship MVP after helping South Carolina to March Madness glory, beating Iowa in the decider.
She will be joined by Reese (no.7) in Chicago, who last year helped LSU to the NCAA title, once more at the expense of Clark’s Iowa in the Championship game.
A rivalry that spanned school and throughout college will now turn into a dominant rebounding partnership ready to help the Sky win a second WNBA championship.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 15: Cameron Brink poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected second overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
LA Sparks maximise two first-round picks
Once Indiana Fever confirmed their selection of Clark, attention turned to the Los Angeles Sparks for the second overall pick.
With an abundance of talent to choose from, the Sparks opted for Stanford’s Cameron Brink to kickstart their evening.
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Brink will serve as a replacement for Nneka Ogwumike, who traded LA for Seattle to play for the Storm.
From one end of the court to the other, and offensive reinforcements in the form of Rickea Jackson (no.3).
Jackson averaged career-best numbers across the board this season, sinking over 50 3-pointers to propel her standing in the draft.
Both she and Brink could prove a dominant partnership for the Sparks.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 15: Dyaisha Fair poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected 16th overall pick by the Las Vegas Aces during the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
No first-round pick, no problem for the Las Vegas Aces
Back-to-back WNBA champions Las Vegas Aces have their sights firmly set on a three-peat.
They may not have had a first-round pick, but that didn’t stop the reigning victors from doing some shrewd business.
Despite not having any glaring issues to address, the Aces picked up four talented rookies in the draft, starting with Dyaisha Fair (no.16). Fair’s shooting range was only bested by Clark this season, climbing to no.3 in the NCAA Division I all-time scorers rankings with 3,403 points.
Two picks later, they plucked Kate Martin (no.18) from the crowd. The Iowa guard attended the event primarily to support Clark, but had hoped to be among the drafted stars. She was a key player as the Hawkeyes reached the Championship game for a second consecutive year.
Elizabeth Kitley was their third selection (no.24). Though currently rehabbing from an ACL injury, once she returns Kitley will be a vital reinforcement having finished her collegiate career as the ACC’s all-time leader in points (2,709) and rebounds (1,506).
Jackson State’s Angel Jackson (no.36) was the Aces’ final pick of the draft. Two-time SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, she adds to an Aces roster filled to the brim with budding and established stars.