WNBA Draft Preview

Ashurina Chilmon, Writer

March Madness is right around the corner for women’s college basketball fans. Millions of viewers tune in to see their favorite teams square off for the championship, while WNBA general managers and coaches will also be scouting for new talent. The WNBA Draft 2016 will take place on April 14 in Uncasville, Connecticut at Mohegan Sun Arena. The draft comes just one month prior to the tip off of the WNBA’s 20th season. Coverage of the draft will be provided by ESPN2 for the first round beginning at 7 p.m. ET and following that ESPNU will air the second and third rounds starting at 8 p.m. ET. If you are unable to watch it on television, it will be available to access on computers, smartphones, or any electronic devices via the WatchESPN app.

In addition to that, WNBA.com will also be providing draft-day coverage and be a destination for fans to track the top seniors who are contenders for the draft. For the second year in a row and fourth time in franchise history, the Seattle Storm holds the top pick for the draft. The second spot belongs to the San Antonio Stars, followed by the Connecticut Sun and the Atlanta Dream .

The Chicago Sky holds the 10th pick for the 2016 draft. Of the prospects available, many mock drafts have the Sky choosing a center. After head coach and general manager Pokey Chatman was forced to trade seven-year pro center, Sylvia Fowles, so the size up in the front court is scarce. Oregon State’s Ruth Hamblin or Florida State standout Adut Bulgak are the best available.

The previous draft year, the Seattle Storm selected Chicago native Jewell Loyd as their number one overall pick. Since then, Jewell was named WNBA Rookie of 2015 and headlined the WNBA All-Rookie Team. More recently, she was named a starter for the USA Women’s Olympic Team. With the Seattle Storm holding the top pick for the second year in a row, they have made pretty clear they are interested in drafting Breanna Stewart, top candidate from UConn. Following her are other top contenders, Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck who are projected to be taken in the first five picks. The Chicago Sky is currently second overall in the Eastern Conference. With playoffs approaching, they have a shot at making a run for the title. With this upcoming draft, they’ll have an opportunity to add on to the great team they have thus far. The 2016 draft will be presented by State Farm and is open to the public.