Tonight’s 2024 WNBA Draft welcomes the NCAA’s best women’s basketball players to the pros
The GIST: The confetti’s still falling on the 2024 Division I (DI) women’s basketball champs, but there’s no rest for the NCAA’s best graduating ballers: Thirty-six lucky players will become new pros at the 2024 WNBA Draft in Brooklyn, NY, tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tune into ESPN to see if the concrete jungle is where these hoopers’ dreams are made of.
Caitlin Clark, Iowa: As Division I’s all-time leading scorer — among dozens of other records — Clark is tonight’s all-but-guaranteed No. 1 pick. Winning this year’s Clark sweepstakes Draft Lottery? The Indiana Fever, a team already seeing clutch broadcast and ticket sale assists from Clark. This summer in Indianapolis, IN, expect a downpour of logo threes.
Cameron Brink, Stanford: Stanford’s elite two-way forward will likely be keeping her signature double-braids and nasty shot block in California. With a resume that includes the 2021 national championship and a 3x3 Olympic gold medal, Brink is expected to be the No. 2 pick by the LA Sparks.
Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina: If LA doesn’t select Brink, expect Cardoso’s name to be called instead. The 6-foot-7 center raised her draft stock with a standout performance throughout South Carolina’s championship run, where Cardoso demonstrated her ability to control the boards and dominate in the paint. Another Gamecock in the W? Yes, please.
Angel Reese, LSU: This year’s Draft is flush with talented forwards, which is why Reese — one of the NCAA’s most iconic ballers — might be a late first-round pick, particularly behind teams in need of guards on their rosters. But this Bayou Barbie has skills, including a rebounding ability unmatched in the college game and a style that the Orange Carpet isn’t ready for.
Dyaisha Fair, Syracuse: Somewhat overshadowed by Clark’s scoring bonanza this season, Fair is a projected second-round gem for a lucky WNBA team. At just 5-foot-5, Fair finished her NCAA career third on DI’s all-time women’s scoring leader list, proving that big things come in small packages.
