WNBA Draft 2012 Results: Pick-by-Pick Recap and Analysis

The 2012 WNBA draft is a happy place for all those involved, as several teams improve their roster and many women achieve their dreams. 

This year, the WNBA draft begins on Monday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The second and third round will be aired on ESPNU and NBA TV, with the entire event also broadcasted online at ESPN3.com.

Round 1 

No. 1: Los Angeles Sparks - Nnemkadi Ogwumike, F, Stanford

No surprise here, the Sparks use the top pick on the best player in the draft. Ogwumike has a great feel for the game, dominating with ease while at Stanford. 

She helped lead Stanford to four straight final four appearances, and now she'll set out to bring LA back to the top of the WNBA. 

No. 2: Seattle Storm - Shekinna Stricklen, G/F, Tennessee

The Storm got this pick in a deal with Chicago, and they wisely use it on a dynamic player like Stricklen. 

Seattle needs someone to step up and replace the production of Swin Cash. Stricklen will help fill the void, as she is a great scorer and a solid defender. 

No. 3: Minnesota Lynx - Devereaux Peters, F, Notre Dame

The rich get richer, as the WNBA defending champs stockpile more talent on the roster. Peters is a two-time Big East Defensive player of the year. 

She's a very skilled rebounder, and if the Lynx are going to repeat, they needed another strong player down low like Peters to crash the boards and play superb defense. 

No. 4: Tulsa Shock - Glory Johnson, F, Tennessee

After winning just three games, the Shock had to make some changes. They got a new head coach in Gary Kloppenburg, and he'll be thrilled to have Johnson. 

She brings great intensity to Tulsa, as well as great size at 6'3". There will be a lot of pressure on Johnson to help this struggling team, but she has the talent to help the Shock win much more.   

No. 5: San Antonio Silver Stars - Shenise Johnson, SG, Miami 

The Stars needed a well rounded guard, and they're quite pleased Johnson fell their way. Johnson is a solid scorer who helps make everyone around her better.

She never gives up when she steps on the court, and the Stars will love having such a versatile player with the ability to become a big star in the league. 

No. 6: Phoenix Mercury - Samantha Prahalis, PG, Ohio State

Phoenix relies on it's offensive power to blow past teams, so it's perfect that the Mercury end up with Prahalis. 

She can shoot if need be, but her primary focus will be getting Diana Taurasi the ball. The Mercury play up tempo basketball, and adding Prahalis to the roster will make this team much more dangerous. 

No. 7: New York Liberty - Kelly Cain, C, Tennessee 

The first Eastern Conference team to make a selection, the Liberty make a big surprise here with Cain. 

She didn't play for Tennessee last year, which makes this a risky pick for New York. The Liberty needed some size, but this is a gamble. Cain is 6'6" and did very well while at Tennessee, but the time away from big-time talent could have been a set back for her. 

No. 8: Washington Mystics - Natalie Novosel, G, Notre Dame

Novosel is a very tough player that just doesn't quit, which makes this a fantastic pick for the Mystics. 

She sees the floor very well, and will provide Washington not only with a clutch shooter, but also an athlete that gives it her all each and every game.  

No. 9: Connecticut Sun - Astan Dabo, C, Mali

At 19-years-old, Dabo has room to grow. She's a member of the Mali women's team, and this is definitely a pick for the future. 

Dabo won't join the Sun right away, but that's OK because they're a young team on the rise. At 6'8", Dabo is a huge pickup for the Sun's future, especially with Brittney Griner expected to be in the league next year. 

No. 10: Washington Mystics - LaSondra Barrett, G/F, LSU

Washington's second pick of the first round is another great one. The Mystics' future looks very bright now with both of their new additions. 

Barrett is a very versatile player, having experience at all positions on the court. She'll be a strong reserve for the Mystics, providing the team with exceptional depth. 

No. 11: Indiana Fever - Sasha Goodlett, C, Georgia Tech

The Fever needed someone that can post up and command the ball in the post. They landed just that as Goodlett fell their way. 

Goodlet is a 6'5" post player that recorded 127 blocks during her college career, and she'll definitely give Indiana great work. She's overcome big adversity since her freshman year, and now Goodlett is off to Indiana to help the Fever win the battle down low against opposing teams. 

No. 12: Minnesota Lynx - Damiris Dantas, C, Brazil 

The defending champs continue to get better with their second pick of the first round by selecting the 6'5" Dantas. 

She's an athletic post player that can run the floor and is easily a pick for the future. The Lynx know that Dantas needs time to develop more and she won't be joining them immediately. Since they're the defending champs, they can feel just fine using their second first rounder for the future. 

Round 2 

1. Los Angeles  - Farhiya Abdi , F, Sweden

2. Atlanta -- Tiffany Hayes, G, Connecticut 

3. Los Angeles -- Khadijah Rushdan, G, Rutgers 

4. Los Angeles -- Tyra White, G, Texas A&M

5. Tulsa -- Riquna Williams, G, Miami

6. Minnesota -- Julie Wojta, G/F, Wisconsin-Green Bay

7. Minnesota -- Kayla Standish, F, Gonzaga 

8. Minnesota -- Nika Baric, PG, Slovenia 

9. Connecticut -  Chay Shegog, C, North Carolina 

10. Seattle - Keisha Hampton, F, DePaul 

11. Chicago – Shey Peddy, G, Temple

12. Phoenix - C'eira Ricketts, G, Arkansas 

Round 3

1. Tulsa - Vicki Baugh, F/C, Tennesee

2. Washington -- Anjale Barrett, G, Maryland

3. Chicago -- Sydney Carter, G, Texas A&M

4. Los Angeles -- April Sykes, G/F, Rutgers

5. Tulsa -- Lynetta Kizer, C, Maryland

6. Phoenix -- Christine Flores, F, Missouri

7. Minnesota -- Jacki Gemelos, G, USC

8. Atlanta -- Isabelle Yacoubou, C, France

9. Phoenix -- Amanda Johnson, F, Oregon

10. Indiana -- Courtney Hurt, F, VCU

11. Washington -- Briana Gilbreath, G, USC

12. New York -- Katelan Redmon, G/F, Gonzaga 

The Los Angeles Sparks will be on the clock first, followed by Seattle Storm who got the pick from Chicago and then the defending champion Minnesota Lynx pick at No. 3 thanks to a deal with Washington. 

According to ESPN, 15 prospects are expected to attend the draft, and the headliner is Nnemkadi Ogwumike of Stanford. She's likely to be selected No. 1 overall and will make a big impact for the Sparks. 

While there aren't many big-time star prospects like past years, there are still talented women who can contribute very well at the next level. 

Next year's event is sure to be even bigger. Baylor star Brittney Griner and Notre Dame stand-out Skylar Diggins chose to remain in college for another year, and both will be the most coveted players in the 2013 WNBA draft. 

As for the 2012 WNBA draft, several women are preparing for what should be a great future. That being said, remember to check back here to see which prospects get selected where.