The highly anticipated draft of the Women’s National Basketball Association had its seasonal picks on Monday, April 14. The draft occurred at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. There were 38 picks across 3 rounds, with 12 sections in the first round, and 13 in the other two. The first-overall pick was UConn star Paige Bueckers by the Dallas Wings. Bueckers signed a three-year deal, under which she will receive $350,000 her first season in the WNBA alone. The second pick was Dominique Malonga, a center who previously played for ASVEL Feminin, selected by the Seattle Storm, who signed a $80,000 contract. Lastly, the third overall pick coming from Notre Dame was Sonia Citron, chosen by the Washington Mystics, who signed a $348,198 contract. Some of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s best prospects made their way to the WNBA, welcoming an exciting new chapter for these young stars.
Furthermore, the draft included several players from multiple top college programs. The WNBA lottery determined the top four picks, and the picks after were chosen in the opposite order from the previous season. Juniors Lana Abuaita and Skye Hassankhani were asked their thoughts on the draft picks this season. “I think Paige deserved her spot to be the first draft pick; she’s also my favorite player in the WNBA,” Abuaita said. With similar opinions, Hassankhani said, “I think the first three picks were very deserved, and Paige Bueckers is a player I looked up to in my sophomore season playing basketball; watching her play improved me as an athlete.” The WNBA continues to inspire young athletes to push themselves and prove that their dreams are never the limit.