The Los Angeles Sparks are expected to select Stanford’s Nnemkadi Ogwumike at No. 1 overall. She led the Cardinal to consecutive Final Fours, losing to eventual champion Baylor this season.
Ogwumike would join a crowded Los Angeles frontcourt that includes Parker, veterans DeLisha Milton-Jones and Ebony Hoffman, second-year center Jantel Lavender and fifth-year center Nicky Anosike.
”Assuming that that happens and I end up in L.A., I think I’m looking forward to playing with a lot of experienced posts,” said the 6-foot-2 Ogwumike, who averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds this season. ”I can still elevate my game at this point, but I think it will be good to see what I can learn from people.”
The Sparks, who have a new coach in former Atlanta assistant Carol Ross and added former All-Star Alana Beard, also have three of the first four picks in the second round.
After Ogwumike, this year’s draft will be wide open. Miami’s Shenise Johnson, Tennessee’s Glory Johnson and Shekinna Stricklen, Notre Dame’s Devereaux Peters and Natalie Novosel, and Miami’s Riquana Williams are among the top players available. Ohio State’s Samantha Prahalis and Connecticut’s Tiffany Hayes could also be picked in the first round.
— Reported by the Associated Press
