2024 WNBA Draft: With the First Pick.........

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It was 1997, a summer that saw the dawn of a new league. Yes, it was the WNBA and the chance for women to be able to play professionally in the United States. The Houston Comets, led by the likes of Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoops, and Tina Thompson won the first four championships.

Last night, 27 years later, the most anticipated draft since that first one took place in Brooklyn. The coveted prize was Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark. But she wasn’t the only talent this year’s class would have.

Let’s take a look at how the draft went and what the future may hold for these young women.

As predicted by anyone alive, the Indiana Fever took Clark with the first pick. She will join last year’s Rookie of the Year and former national champion Aliyah Boston to form one of the best center-guard combos the WNBA should see for years to come. The two will try to get the Fever back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Can Clark be as domiant in this league? She will defeintely make it easier for Boston to get scoring chances.

The Los Angeles Sparks came into this draft on the downside. They were looking to make a big splash with the number two and four picks and that is just what they did. With the #2 pick, they stayed at home and chose Cameron Brink out of Stanford. Brink is long and a ferocious presence down low. She will protect the basket and change a lot of shots right out of the gate. She can also defend the three-pointer as well as shoot it. Not to be outdone, they used the #4 pick to grab Rekea Jackson from the Lady Vols of Tennessee. Jackson is a versatile player that can score from multiple spots. Her footwork allows her to move defenders and create shots. These two together are going to change the fortunes in LA.

Sitting with the #3 and #7 picks, the Chicago Sky were looking to fill some holes due to players leaving and building for the future. What they got was the two women responsible for the last two NCAA Women’s National Championships. Kamilla Cardoso was the pick at three and she will anchor the Sky defense with her dominant play down low and around the basket. A tenacious offensive rebounder who will have to be dealt with early on by opponents. At 7, they chose the “Bayou Barbie” Angel Reese from LSU. She may be known for her fire and attitude but she can flat out ball. A lefty with a sweet shot and a motor that never quits. She has the ability to fire up her team and get the best out of everyone on the team. She will be the leader of this team and soon.

These are some of the women who will take the mantle and try to take the WNBA to the next level. But first, they will find out that they will not be playing with and against kids anymore. They will be playing against the best in the world day in and day out.

Oh, the questions are there. Will Clark do in the “W” what she did in college? Will Angel and Kamilla form a new dynasty? All in due time but for now, the league is growing and setting records. Attendance continues to improve and the future looks bright.

Yes, there is still that elephant in the room. The one where men still get paid so much more to play this game they both love. Maybe one day in our life time that will be remedied. But for now, let’s enjoy the game these women have to offer. If you are a TRUE fan of basketball, then you will love this game.

Like WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in her opening statement last night: “Welcome to the W”