Brooklyn, NY—-The 2024 WNBA Draft has concluded, with 36 players receiving their call-ups during Monday night’s three-round event held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York. The proceedings unfolded as anticipated.
The Indiana Fever set the tone by choosing Iowa standout Caitlin Clark as the No. 1 overall pick. This marked Indiana’s second consecutive year holding the top spot, having previously selected Aliyah Boston in 2023, who later claimed the WNBA Rookie of the Year title.
Clark now joins forces with Boston on the Fever roster following a remarkable college career where she led the Hawkeyes to consecutive NCAA championship games and established numerous records, notably securing the all-time Division I scoring record across genders. While Clark undoubtedly stood out as the star of this year’s draft class, several other notable names were swiftly chosen following her selection.
“Obviously going to an organization that has, in my eyes, one of the best post players in the entire world,” Clark said. My point guard eyes just light up at that. And obviously, Aliyah has been one of my teammates before. I’m excited. I can’t wait.”
Stanford’s Cameron Brink transitioned from Northern California to Southern California as the Los Angeles Sparks secured the three-time All-American forward with the second overall pick. Subsequently, the Sparks bolstered their roster further by selecting standout Tennessee forward Rickea Jackson at No. 4.
After she was selected as the number-two pick, Brink became emotional. “I’m an ugly cryer,” Brink told the packed audience. This is just such a nerve-wracking environment, but we work so hard for this, and I just have to shout out all my girls. I’m so happy to be associated with all of them in the league, and I’m just very thankful.”
The Chicago Sky made early moves to strengthen their frontcourt with two notable picks. They first selected South Carolina’s All-American center, Kamilla Cardoso, at No. 3, followed by LSU’s three-time All-American forward, Angel Reese, at No. 7. Cardoso and Reese have collectively earned the last two NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player awards.
In parallel, the Dallas Wings secured Ohio State’s All-American guard, Jacy Sheldon, as the fifth overall pick, while the Washington Mystics chose UConn’s All-American forward, Aaliyah Edwards, at sixth. Utah’s two-time All-American forward, Alissa Pili, was drafted eighth by the Minnesota Lynx.
Completing the top 10 picks were two French prospects: Dallas opted for guard Carla Leite with their second first-round selection at No. 9, and the Connecticut Sun chose guard Leila Lacan at No. 10.
For a comprehensive overview, here’s the complete list of selections made in the draft:
First round
1. Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark, G, Iowa
2. Los Angeles Sparks: Cameron Brink, F, Stanford
3. Chicago Sky: Kamilla Cardoso, C, South Carolina
4. Los Angeles Sparks: Rickea Jackson, F, Tennessee
5. Dallas Wings: Jacy Sheldon, G, Ohio State
6. Washington Mystics: Aaliyah Edwards, F, UConn
7. Chicago Sky: Angel Reese, F, LSU
8. Minnesota Lynx: Alissa Pili, F, Utah
9. Dallas Wings: Carla Leite, G, France
10. Connecticut Sun: Leila Lacan, G, France
11. New York Liberty: Marquesha Davis, F, Ole Miss
12. Atlanta Dream: Nyadiew Puoch, F, Australia
Second round
13. Chicago Sky: Brynna Maxwell, G, Gonzaga
14. Seattle Storm: Nika Mühl, G, UConn
15. Indiana Fever: Celeste Taylor, G, Ohio State
16. Las Vegas Aces: Dyaisha Fair, G, Syracuse
17. New York Liberty: Esmery Martinez, F, Arizona
18. Las Vegas Aces: Kate Martin, G, Iowa
19. Connecticut Sun: Taiyanna Jackson, C, Kansas
20. Atlanta Dream: Isobel Borlase, G, Australia
21. Washington Mystics: Kaylynne Truong, G, Gonzaga
22. Connecticut Sun: Helena Pueyo, G, Arizona
23. New York Liberty: Jessika Carter, G, Mississippi State
24. Las Vegas Aces: Elizabeth Kitley, C, Virginia Tech
“I had a goal to be here tonight and give my family a better life”. Cardoso said after being selected as the third pick of the draft.
