Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese headline one of the most anticipated WNBA drafts in years

NEW YORK — Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink and others make this one of the most anticipated WNBA drafts in recent years. There are several impactful players up for grabs, but their talents are almost overshadowed by their popularity among basketball fans.

“Caitlyn is kind of in her own world, but I don’t know if we’ve seen that excitement across the board,” ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo said. “You know, Angel Reese has a huge following. Cameron Cameron Brink has a huge following, whether following them on social media or following them throughout their college careers.

“We have women entering the draft this year and people know them well and are eager to see how their games will translate to this level.”

Clark helped attract millions of new fans with her signature logo shots and dazzling passing abilities. The Iowa State star was a big reason why South Carolina’s NCAA championship game win over the Hawkeyes was watched by 18.9 million viewers.

The NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader will headline Monday night’s Indiana Fever, when the draft will be held in front of 1,000 fans at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

“This is the first time we’ve had fans at the draft, so I think it’s going to be special,” ESPN analyst Andraya Carter said. “For people watching at home, seeing and hearing the crowd, the fans and the people, I think it’s going to be very exciting.”

While Clark has the No. 1 spot locked up, Brink, Tennessee’s Ricky Jackson and South Carolina’s Camila Cardozo are all in discussion about being moved to No. 2 by Los Angeles. The Sparks also own the No. 4 pick, while Chicago selected the No. 3 pick.

“They’re foundational. They’re an incredible opportunity for our organization,” Sparks general manager Regan Pebley said. “We definitely want to see two players who not only have the skills to make an impact early on, but also go a long way, have the opportunity to develop, have the opportunity to not only excel at what they do but also make an impact in their Excellent performance as well.

Dallas is fifth and Washington is sixth. Minnesota, Chicago, Dallas, Connecticut, New York and Atlanta round out the first round. There are three rounds with a total of 36 picks.

Here are some other tidbits from the draft:

Injury setbacks

Indiana’s All-American Mackenzie Holmes and Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Keatley will not play in the WNBA this season due to knee injuries. Holmes said on social media that she will undergo surgery next month.

“At this time, in order to ensure my good health and ensure that my career is as long and successful as possible, I have decided to have the necessary surgery in May to prevent further problems and relieve the pain they cause,” she said. “I have declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft and am praying that a team will select me because they know I am ready for the start of training camp in 2025.”

Keatley tore the ACL in his left knee in Virginia Tech’s final regular-season game and missed the entire postseason.

“Whenever you see any player go through injuries at any point in their career, especially at that point in this particular season that Virginia Tech is going through. But I think she’s a capable player, I would use the word ‘track’ again,” Pebley said. “She’s got a long runway ahead of her. I think she’s going to have a great career with her versatility and footwork. I think she’s an impact around the rim.

invitees

The WNBA invited 15 players to participate in the draft on Monday, including Clark, Reese, Brinker, Jackson, Cardoso and Keatley. The others are UConn’s Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl; UCLA’s Charming Osborne; Ohio State’s Celeste Taylor and Jesse Shelton; Utah’s Alyssa Alissa Pili; Makesha Davis, Mississippi; Daisha Fair, Syracuse; and Nyadiew Puoch, Australia.