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Wnba Draft

All articles tagged with #wnba draft

Angel Reese’s Struggle Against 7'3" Zhang Ziyu Highlights China’s Future WNBA Threat
sports1 month ago

Angel Reese’s Struggle Against 7'3" Zhang Ziyu Highlights China’s Future WNBA Threat

Team USA defeated China 94-61 in the 2026 FIBA World Cup opener, but the game was defined by the viral physical mismatch between 6'2" Angel Reese and 7'3" Chinese center Zhang Ziyu. While the U.S. secured a dominant victory, extending their global winning streak, the visual disparity sparked intense online debate. Zhang, a 19-year-old phenom, posted 13 points and six rebounds, drawing attention for her size and raw potential. Caitlin Clark noted the unprecedented challenge of guarding such a tall opponent, while coaches acknowledged the difficulty of containing Zhang near the basket. The incident highlighted the looming threat Zhang poses to the WNBA, where she could become the tallest player in league history if drafted in 2027.

Zhang Ziyu's 7-foot-3 Frame Stuns Team USA in FIBA World Cup Opener
sports1 month ago

Zhang Ziyu's 7-foot-3 Frame Stuns Team USA in FIBA World Cup Opener

Team USA defeated China 94-61 in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup opener, but the match was defined by the presence of 19-year-old Chinese center Zhang Ziyu. Standing 7-foot-3, Zhang towered over the entire American roster, including 6-foot-3 forwards Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston. While the U.S. secured a decisive victory, Zhang's physical dominance sparked widespread discussion regarding her potential impact on the 2027 WNBA Draft. Caitlin Clark, who entered from the bench, recorded 14 points and 11 assists, noting that facing a player of Zhang's size was a unique experience for her.

Transgender Royce White Eyes 2027 WNBA Draft, Prompts Policy Debate
sports2 months ago

Transgender Royce White Eyes 2027 WNBA Draft, Prompts Policy Debate

Former NBA guard Royce White announced he will declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft as a transgender woman, arguing self-identification should make him eligible and pressing the league for a clear transgender policy; he threatened a discrimination lawsuit if barred, highlighting the ongoing debate over transgender participation and league rules.

Bueckers Beams as Fudd Goes No. 1 to Wings, Reuniting UConn Duo
sports6 months ago

Bueckers Beams as Fudd Goes No. 1 to Wings, Reuniting UConn Duo

Azzi Fudd was drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA draft, reuniting with Paige Bueckers—their UConn teammates and romantically linked—who flashed a big smile and clapped on the orange carpet as Fudd held Bueckers’ Dallas jersey. Fudd expressed excitement to play with Paige in the pros, and several former Huskies attended the event; Geno Auriemma was not present due to attending a celebration of life.

Azzi Fudd lands No. 1 as WNBA salaries surge and UCLA makes draft history
sports6 months ago

Azzi Fudd lands No. 1 as WNBA salaries surge and UCLA makes draft history

Azzi Fudd was drafted No. 1 by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA draft as the league’s seven-year labor deal lifts rookie pay to about $500,000; No. 2 Olivia Miles and No. 3 Awa Fam Thiam also earn six-figure salaries. UCLA made history by sending five players in the first round and six overall, with Betts, Jaquez, Rice, Dugalić and Kneepkens drafted in the first round and Charliesse Leger-Walker going in the second, giving UCLA a record six draftees in a single draft. The night signals a new era for the WNBA as it prepares for a May 8 season start and potential global expansion.

Three-Way Chase for WNBA Draft No. 1: Fudd, Miles, and Fam
sports6 months ago

Three-Way Chase for WNBA Draft No. 1: Fudd, Miles, and Fam

Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, and Awa Fam are the leading candidates for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd averaged 17.3 points per game in her final season at UConn; Miles posted 19.6 ppg and 6.5 assists in her first year with TCU after transferring from Notre Dame; Fam, 19, is playing in Spain and has high ceiling but less college experience. Dallas is a likely destination for the top pick after drafting Paige Bueckers last year. The draft unfolds after a busy offseason with a new CBA, expansion draft, and record free-agent signings, ahead of the May 8, 2026 season start.

Bruins poised for historic WNBA draft as six UCLA stars eye pro debuts
sports6 months ago

Bruins poised for historic WNBA draft as six UCLA stars eye pro debuts

UCLA could set a school draft record by seeing up to six Bruins drafted in the WNBA draft—Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, Angela Dugalic and Charlisse Leger-Walker—after being invited to attend, with Leger-Walker and Dugalic projected as fringe first-round picks who could push UCLA past the 2002 UConn mark of four players in the first round; the team celebrated with a New York draft-week party, underscoring the potential historic haul.

Dallas Wings Secure No. 1 Pick, Likely to Draft Paige Bueckers
sports1 year ago

Dallas Wings Secure No. 1 Pick, Likely to Draft Paige Bueckers

The Dallas Wings secured the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft lottery, likely targeting UConn's Paige Bueckers, despite her preference for the Los Angeles Sparks, who hold the No. 2 pick. Bueckers, a standout guard, is currently playing her redshirt senior season at UConn, averaging 21.3 points per game. The Wings' players are excited about the prospect of adding Bueckers, who has been a top player despite past injuries.

Caitlin Clark Shares Disappointment Over WNBA Draft Experience
sports1 year ago

Caitlin Clark Shares Disappointment Over WNBA Draft Experience

Caitlin Clark expressed her disappointment at the 2024 WNBA Draft after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever. She was upset about being immediately whisked away for obligations, missing the rest of the draft, and not being able to celebrate with friends and family. Despite this, Clark had a successful rookie season, breaking records and winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. She is also considering joining the new Unrivaled League in the offseason.

Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson Lead Early WNBA All-Star Voting
sports2 years ago

Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson Lead Early WNBA All-Star Voting

Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in April's WNBA Draft, is the second-highest vote-getter for the WNBA All-Star Game, trailing only A'ja Wilson. Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever, is averaging 16.3 points and 6.2 assists per game, leading all rookies. The top 10 vote-getters will automatically participate in the All-Star Game, set for July 20 in Phoenix.

"Caitlin Clark's Unpredictable Journey: From High School Hero to WNBA Draft Fashion Icon"
sports2 years ago

"Caitlin Clark's Unpredictable Journey: From High School Hero to WNBA Draft Fashion Icon"

Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been on a whirlwind of celebratory events and media appearances since being drafted by the Indiana Fever. Despite the lack of sleep and non-stop travel, she's enjoying every moment and preparing for the quick transition to her new team. Her surprising WNBA salary has sparked conversations about the pay gap between the WNBA and NBA, but Clark is focused on showcasing her passing skills and teaming up with teammate Aliyah Boston as she prepares for the upcoming WNBA season.

"President Biden Addresses Disparity in Caitlin Clark's WNBA Salary Compared to Male Counterparts"
sports2 years ago

"President Biden Addresses Disparity in Caitlin Clark's WNBA Salary Compared to Male Counterparts"

President Biden called for pay equity for women athletes after Caitlin Clark, the University of Iowa basketball standout, was selected first in the W.N.B.A. Draft, highlighting the significant pay disparity between male and female athletes. Clark's salary over the next four years will be a fraction of what male counterparts earn, sparking intense scrutiny amid a pivotal moment for sports, particularly in college athletics. The president's comments ignited a flurry of responses online, with some echoing his perspective about inequity and others taking a more cynical point of view.