The following are the top 5 picks in the WNBA mock draft:
Charli Collier, Texas - New York Liberty
For the second consecutive season, the Liberty have the top pick in the WNBA Draft. Last year they chose Sabrian Ionescu and this season, they are likely to select 6’ 5” Charli Collier out of Texas. Clearly the best talent in this draft class, Collier is averaging 21.3 points and 12 rebounds per game this season after averaging 9.5 points per game over her first two collegiate seasons. Perhaps not as ready to dominate at the professional level as other previous number one picks, Collier is definitely the player the Liberty should select with the first overall pick.
Aari McDonald, Arizona - Dallas Wings
Despite being a team on the upswing with a promising roster that includes Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, and Bella Alarie, McDonald has enough raw talent for the Dallas Wings to let slip away. She is averaging 18 points and five rebounds per game this season. He growth offensively has helped the Wildcats climb into the top ten rankings. She won’t be expected to come in and contribute a great deal at first, so she can ease into the WNBA by contributing off the bench. Whether or not she plays a great deal of minutes or not, McDonald is a worthy selection at second overall.
Rennia Davis, Tennessee - Atlanta Dream
Considering the fact that the Dream have a very solid veteran core on the front line, they aren’t looking for a player who can step in immediately as a starter. However, Davis has all the tools to come in off the bench and provide a spark. She is averaging 15.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and has improved steadily during her time at Tennessee. At 6’ 2”, Davis has enough size to fill in as a forward, but could also play guard. The Dream needs depth and Davis appears to be a perfect fit.
Dana Evans, Louisville - Indiana Fever
Here’s another team that is loaded with terrific young talent with the likes of Tiffany Mitchell, Julie Allemand, and Kelsey Mitchell on the roster. However, they could use a good backup point guard, which is where the 5’ 6” Evans can really help them. She is having a stellar season, averaging 21.2 points per game, hitting 94 percent from the free throw line. Evans has leadership qualities that will help her with Indiana. It’s too early to tell how much playing time Evans would get as a rookie, but it doesn’t detract from the fact that she is a great choice for the Fever with the fourth pick.
Awak Kuier, Finland - Dallas Wings (via the Washington Mystics)
With two picks in the top five of the WNBA Draft, the Wings can really improve their team. Selecting 19-year-old Awak Kuier out of Finland may seem to be a stretch, but she has plenty of potential and exposure in international competition. Despite having a lot of front court talent, the Wings should not pass on the opportunity to select Kuier, if available. There have been plenthy of top international picks, such as Lauren Jackson and Liz Cambage, and Kuier is in the similar mold as a potential great international selection.
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