WNBA Draft 2013 Results: Complete Round-by-Round Results and Analysis
The Phoenix Mercury posted a 7-27 record in the 2012-13 WNBA season, good for the worst mark in the Western Conference.
On the other hand, the Mercury had a shot at drafting a once-in-a-generation prospect in Monday's 2013 WNBA draft. That's enough to make any franchise hopeful for the future.
But Brittney Griner wasn't the only elite prospect, or difference-maker, in this year's class. Ranging from point guards to forwards, there was a little bit for everybody.
Here's a look at how the 2013 WNBA draft went down, complete with analysis.
Round 1
1. Phoenix Mercury: Brittney Griner, C, Baylor
The Mercury really needed a jolt and to capitalize on the draft in hopes of making a turnaround next season. Brittney Griner is that jolt—one of the most hyped prospects in the league's history.
Griner has the size, athleticism and motor to translate nicely to the pros. She can score from about anywhere on the floor and she's a terror as a shot-blocker. While she doesn't exactly fit the mold of head coach Corey Gaines' up-tempo system, you find a way to build the system around a player of Griner's caliber.
Griner plus Diana Taurasi equals playoffs.
2. Chicago Sky: Elena Delle Donne, F, Delaware
Elena Delle Donne is the ideal point-forward. She's 6'5", but she plays like a guard. Not only is she an elite scorer, she has the ball-handling skills to make things happen for her teammates and she can defend multiple positions.
With a need for offense, it's no surprise that the Sky would go with one of the best scorers in the class.
3. Tulsa Shock: Skylar Diggins, G, Notre Dame
Skylar Diggins is an elite point guard prospect. She possesses the playmaking ability and scoring prowess to be a dynamic force in the pros. Beyond that, she's a leader and a winner.
The Shock need a winning mentality, and Diggins is just the kind of player who can give them the boost they need to do damage next season. Diggins rounds out a trio that figures to be electric for years to come in the WNBA.
4. Washington Mystics: Tayler Hill, G, Ohio State
With a need on the perimeter, Tayler Hill fits for the Mystics. Hill has the scoring ability and the on-the-ball defense to be a difference-maker right from the start for Washington.
Hill averaged 20-plus points in her past two seasons at Ohio State. Don't be surprised if she comes in and instantly makes the Mystics a dangerous team.
5. New York Liberty: Kelsey Bone, C, Texas A&M
The Liberty need scoring and rebounding. Given Kelsey Bone is one of the strongest, most physical prospects in the class who can finish with the best of them, this was a no-brainer for New York.
She averaged 9.3 rebounds last season at Texas A&M, but beyond that, Bone also has the ability to be a solid post defender for the Liberty, which is always an asset to have.
6. Seattle Storm: Tianna Hawkins, F, Maryland
With a need for scoring and rebounding, it's no surprise that the Seattle Storm grabbed Tianna Hawkins.
Hawkins averaged just under 10 rebounds per game last season for Maryland. Her post game has also improved immensely, as she developed into one of the most efficient post scorers in the country at A&M.
7. New York Liberty: Toni Young, F, Oklahoma State
After grabbing Kelsey Bone, the Liberty figured to add a player with great potential at this slot. The athletic Toni Young fits the bill, with the scoring, rebounding and ability to run the floor to make an impact in the WNBA.
Young averaged 16.0 points and 10.1 rebounds last season at Oklahoma State.
8. San Antonio Silver Stars: Kayla Alexander, C, Syracuse
The Silver Stars entered the draft needing some help in the paint.
Alexander averaged 17.7 points and 2.9 blocks last season at Syracuse.
9. Indiana Fever: Layshia Clarendon, G, California
Layshia Clarendon has the athleticism, quickness, scoring ability and basketball IQ to make an instant impact at the next level. She also has the mentality to stand up to the challenges of the pros.
Given the Fever struggled from the field last season, Clarendon is a logical choice for the club.
10. Los Angeles Sparks: A'dia Mathies, G, Kentucky
The Sparks could use some bench depth. A'dia Mathies is a quick and athletic scorer with the distribution skills to give them just the spark they need off the bench.
Last season, Mathies led the Wildcats in scoring at 16.1 points per game, including 42.2 percent from long range.
11. Connecticut Sun: Kelly Faris, G, Connecticut
Kelly Faris is a smart player, first and foremost. She played in three Final Fours during her career at Connecticut, exemplifying her ability to fit into any role asked of her along the way.
Faris is also a disruptive defender, averaging 2.5 steals last season for the Huskies. You add in her finishing ability and rebounding and it's no wonder she was the Sun's first-round selection. Don't think this was simply a local pick.
12. Minnesota Lynx: Lindsey Moore, G, Nebraska
With a need for depth at point guard, the Lynx decided to go with Nebraska's Lindsey Moore.
Moore is a tough, physical player who can finish strong and play solid on-the-ball defense. She's also displayed the court vision and pure shooting (from both the field and free-throw line) to be a handful for opponents.
Round 2
13. Atlanta Dream: Alex Bentley, G, Penn State
14. Minnesota Lynx: Sugar Rodgers, G, Georgetown
15. New York Liberty: Kamiko Williams, G, Tennessee
16. San Antonio Silver Stars: Davellyn Whyte, G, Arizona
17. Washington Mystics: Nadirah McKenith, G, St. John's
18. Seattle Storm: Chelsea Poppens, F, Iowa State
19. Washington Mystics: Emma Meesseman, C, France
20. San Antonio Silver Stars: Diandra Tchatchouang, F, France
21. Indiana Fever: Jasmine Hassell, F, Georgia
22. Los Angeles Sparks: Brittany Chambers, G, Kansas State
23. Connecticut Sun: Anna Prins, C, Iowa State
24. Minnesota Lynx: Chucky Jeffery, G, Colorado
Round 3
25. Washington Mystics: Shenneika Smith, G, St. John's
26. Phoenix Mercury: Nikki Greene, F/C, Penn State
27. New York Liberty: Olcay Cakir, G, Turkey
28. Chicago Sky: Brooklyn Pope, F, Baylor
29. Tulsa Shock: Angel Goodrich, G, Kansas
30. Seattle Storm: Jasmine James, G, Georgia
31. Atlanta Dream: Anne Marie Armstrong, G/F, Georgia
32. San Antonio Silver Stars: Whitney Hand, G, Oklahoma
33. Indiana Fever: Jennifer George, F, Florida
34. Los Angeles Sparks: Alina Iagupova, G/F, Ukraine
35. Connecticut Sun: Andrea Smith, G, South Florida
36. Minnesota Lynx: Waltiea Rolle, C, North Carolina
