WNBA Mock Draft 2015: Full Breakdown and Predictions
The 2015 WNBA draft happens in April, but the order of selection was determined in August. Because of this, we've known for a long time where each team would be selecting, but we can only speculate about where the top prospects will land.
In a year with no consensus No. 1 pick, the player the Seattle Storm have in their sights could change a few times before the selection is actually made. For now, here's who I see Seattle and the other teams tabbing in the first round.
1. Seattle Storm (12-22): Elizabeth Williams, PF, Duke
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When in doubt, go big. That's the approach most basketball teams take when there's a dilemma at the top of a collegiate draft. Sometimes, it works out; sometimes, it doesn't. If the Storm take this approach—as I suspect they will—they will make Duke's 6'3" power forward the first pick in the draft.
Seattle has been a poor rebounding team over the last two seasons and devoid of a stiff defensive presence in the paint. Tabbing Williams will help to shore up both areas.
2. Tulsa Shock (12-22): Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, SF, Connecticut
Not many would bat an eye if Seattle took Mosqueda-Lewis No. 1. KML is one of the best pure shooters in the nation. She can serve as a player capable of spreading the floor for Skylar Diggins and Odyssey Sims.
KML also comes from the most dominant program in women's college basketball. To change the culture, the Shock desperately need players who have been part of a winner.
3. Connecticut Sun (13-21): Amber Orrange, PG, Stanford
The state of Connecticut might not like Amber Orrange that much right now, but it would love her if the Sun make her their first-round selection.
Orrange helped snap the Connecticut Huskies' 47-game winning streak with clutch shots at the end of regulation and in overtime on Nov. 17.
That moxie and skill are part of what makes Orrange an effective leader. She could be the floor general and clutch performer the Sun need to lead them to the next level.
4. Connecticut Sun (from New York, 15-19): Isabelle Harrison, C, Tennessee
If the Sun tab Orrange with the third pick, they could easily go big with the fourth selection. Harrison stands 6'3" and has proved herself to be an effective rebounder and shot-blocker for the Lady Vols.
In 2013, Harrison averaged 12.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. As a senior, she's built on that success and could help to solidify the Sun in the paint.
5. Chicago Sky (15-19): Aleighsha Welch, SF, South Carolina
As far as bigs go, the Sky already have a dynamic duo in Sylvia Fowles and Elena Delle Donne. Welch would potentially give Chicago a wing player capable of complementing the dominant frontcourt.
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley had high praise for Welch.
"She's probably the one that flies under the radar somewhat because she's so unselfish," Staley said, per David Cloninger of The State. "She's our utility player any time we need something—a big bucket, a big rebound—she's always been there. It's unfortunate that they couldn't share the award because she's been making big plays for us."
Every team needs a player like this. The Sky would be fortunate to have Welch serve as their glue girl.
6. Indiana Fever (16-18): Reshanda Gray, PF, California
The Fever have to prepare for the inevitable departure of Tamika Catchings. The future Hall of Famer will be 36 in July, and Erlana Larkins is more of a one-dimensional rebounder/defender.
Gray is a first-team All-Pac-12 selection and steady interior presence. She has the skills to produce with her back to the basket. This is a quality the Fever will need if they hope to offer a more balanced attack next season and beyond.
7. Los Angeles Sparks (16-18): Brittany Boyd, PG, California
Two straight Lady Golden Bears could hear their names called. With Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike in place, the Sparks have their cornerstones for future success. There is still a need for role players and specialists to create the type of roster that can contend for a WNBA championship.
Boyd is a local product, and she has the type of pure point guard skills that make her an ideal fit with a team that has two proven scorers.
8. Washington Mystics (16-18): Crystal Bradford, G, Central Michigan
Bradford does a little bit of everything from the point guard position. She scores, distributes and can lock down on the opposing team's best scorer. Her tenacity can be a tone-setter for her team, and that's an element the Mystics could really use.
At 6'0", Bradford has excellent length and good mobility. She could be one of the biggest surprises in this year's draft.
9. San Antonio Stars (16-18): Elem Ibiam, C, South Carolina
At 6'4", Elem Ibiam has shot-altering and lane-clogging size. That's precisely what the Stars need to give their defense some fangs. The Stars allowed 79 points per game last season, which was next to last in the league.
Ibiam was a 2014 SEC All-Defensive team selection. Her presence could help to change the defenseless culture on the team.
10. Atlanta Dream (19-15): Samantha Logic, PG, Iowa
Scoring is not an issue for the Dream. Atlanta had four players average double-figure points last season. Because of the wealth of scoring, adding a point guard who can distribute the ball and direct traffic is essential.
Logic is already one of the premier assist women in the history of the Big Ten. It defies logic why she wouldn't be the Dream's pick, if she's still on the board. See what I did there?
11. Minnesota Lynx (25-9): Dearica Hamby, PF, Wake Forest
Hamby is good enough to start from day one at power forward. She's a double-double machine who led the ACC in scoring and rebounding as a junior.
The Lynx are already stacked, but adding a player like Hamby could be the final piece that allows them to push past the Phoenix Mercury.
12. Phoenix Mercury (29-5): Tear'a Laudermill, G, Nebraska
The Mercury still look like the team to beat in the WNBA, but even great squads need reinforcements. While Logic might have been a logical choice (OK, I'll stop), Laudermill also has some excellent qualities.
She's explosive with the ball and a solid three-point shooter. As a junior, Laudermill connected on 44 percent of her attempts from deep. Even if her role is as a spark plug off the bench, she could be an asset to the Mercury.
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