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]]>18 points away from the all-time scoring record, Iowa's Caitlin Clark has officially declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft.
It's a leap day fans will never forget. Hoop fans get ready, Caitlin Clark is taking her talents to the WNBA.
This afternoon, Caitlin Clark sent shockwaves through the basketball world. The all-time leading scorer in NCAA division 1 women's basketball is turning pro.It's a bittersweet moment for Iowa fans, yet there's hope that they will follow her WNBA journey.
Thursday afternoon saw Caitlin Clark deliver the long-awaited news that basketball enthusiasts had been anticipating. Following her four-year stint at Iowa, Clark officially confirmed her intention to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft. This declaration coincided with the WNBA's announcement, made a day prior, regarding the draft's location in Brooklyn, with provisions for 1,000 fans to attend.
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) February 29, 2024
At the collegiate level, Caitlin Clark is on the cusp of a historic achievement. She is merely 18 points away from surpassing Peter Maravich for the all-time Division 1 scoring record. Beyond individual accolades, Clark has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to Iowa, demonstrating leadership both on and off the court.
Under her guidance, Iowa reached the Final Four for the first time since 1993, and despite falling short in the 2023 NCAA tournament, Clark is determined to lead the Hawkeyes on another championship pursuit. Her impact extends far beyond statistics; Clark has left an indelible mark on the program, the university, and the basketball community as a whole.
Clark's professional demeanor both on and off the court is unmistakable, showcasing a maturity beyond her years. It's clear that she is destined for success at the next level in the WNBA.
In a heartfelt message shared on X, previously known as Twitter, Clark revealed her decision regarding her future endeavors in the basketball world. The standout from Iowa took a moment to express gratitude to all the significant individuals in her life who have contributed to her journey thus far, including the fans.
"While this season is far from over and we have a lot more goals to achieve, it will be my last one at Iowa," said Clark on a social media post. "I am excited to be entering the 2024 WNBA Draft."
Caitlin Clark in college
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) February 29, 2024
49 PTS, 13 AST, 9 3PT
46 PTS, 10 AST
44 PTS, 8 AST
41 PTS, 12 AST, 10 REB, 8 3PT
39 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST
38 PTS, 12 AST, 8 3PT
35 PTS, 17 REB, 10 AST
35 PTS, 10 AST, 7 STL
33 PTS, 12 AST, 10 REB, 8 3PT
20 PTS, 18 ASTpic.twitter.com/Vum6JkFL3w https://t.co/9Y4D0NezfN
Basketball fans have been eagerly awaiting Clark's decision, particularly because she has been relatively quiet about her future until today. Personally, I didn't expect the news to come this soon; I anticipated the announcement to coincide with the end of March Madness or in early April.
Despite playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes for four years, Clark was eligible to return for a fifth season at Iowa due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Clark has been spectacular this season, averaging 32.2, 7.4 rebounds, and 8.7 rebounds in 29 games. In Wednesdays victory over Minnesota, the guard finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. With this stat line, she broke another record. Clark became the Big Ten's all-time leader in three-pointers made, and in fact scored the first 15 points of the game. It was her 17th career-triple double as a member of the Hawkeyes.
From filled arenas to bustling football stadiums, Caitlin Clark's impact is unmistakable. As a genuinely exceptional talent, she has inspired fans across the nation to eagerly attend her games. Her energy and skillset is contagious, and her following is one of a kind.
we're just simply reminding you that there are only 46 days until the 2024 WNBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/23AA4xClug
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) February 29, 2024
While this excitement is certainly rewarding for Clark, it's also a significant boon for the WNBA, a league that continues to flourish and expand. For the second year in a row, the Indiana Fever hold the no.1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. After selecting South Carolina's Aliyah Boston no.1 in the 2023 Draft, Indiana has much optimism for the future.
Get ready, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana is preparing for the arrival of the biggest sensation from college basketball. With Clark practically guaranteed as the No. 1 pick, Indiana is poised to secure a much-needed star alongside Aliyah Boston. While Clark is renowned for her shooting prowess, she has also showcased exceptional playmaking abilities and a knack for rebounding. She'll fit like a glove in Indiana, who desperately needs a scoring guard, that's able to run the pick and roll with Boston.
While Indiana finished no. 10 last season at 13-27, they haven't sniffed the playoffs since the 2016. Overall, it's been a long road for Fever fans ever since Tamika Catchings retired back in 2016.
With just one regular-season game left against Ohio State on March 3rd, Clark stands on the brink of becoming the all-time scoring leader in NCAA basketball history. Progressing and refining her skills since her freshman year, the Iowa standout boasts an impressive career tally of 3,650 points, 1,049 assists, and 917 rebounds. Over the years, she has notably enhanced the versatility of her game, particularly in rebounding and playmaking, showcasing a relentless dedication to improvement.
With that game approaching, Caitlin Clark will command everyone's attention, solidifying her status as a talent of a generation.
The final home game at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena is sure to evoke strong emotions. All eyes are fixed on Clark as she strives to surpass Maravich while making her announcement regarding the WNBA. Among the attendees will be her family and friends, whom she wholeheartedly thanked in her post on X.
While she thanked everyone who's helped her along the way, she saved the most important message for last.
"Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without my family and friends who have been by my side through it all," said Clark on X. "Because of all of you, my dreams came true."
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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The WNBA Draft shifts its venue from Manhattan to Brooklyn, marking the first opportunity for fans to attend since the drafts held at Mohegan Sun Arena from 2014 to 2016.
It's official. The 28th WNBA annual draft presented by State Farm, will relocate to Brooklyn.
As the WNBA's popularity continues to soar, the Draft will feature a plethora of events. This year, 1000 fans will have the chance to witness the draft live, marking the first occurrence since the 2014-2016 season. That being said, the event is scheduled to occur on April 15th at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).
Why not shine the spotlight on some of the most talented athletes in the world in front of their fans? This move by the WNBA, spearheaded by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, is nothing short of brilliant.
For fans, this provides a firsthand and up-close experience, a rarity not seen in eight years. According to the WNBA, tickets will be available to the public starting from March 7. Following in the footsteps of the NBA, the WNBA is prioritizing its fans, spotlighting the exceptional talent in this year's draft.
Moreover, Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark is eligible to declare for the draft, adding to the anticipation. Alongside Clark, a wealth of talent is poised for the upcoming season, igniting excitement among fans and viewers alike.
“We are focused on creating elevated events that WNBA fans won’t want to miss, at a time when the energy for the WNBA has never been higher,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a press release statement. “Last season resulted in our most-watched-regular season in over two decades, our highest total attendance in 13 years and set record figures across WNBA digital and social platforms.
The WNBA's exponential growth highlights the need for the league and its players to receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. While there are several areas needing improvement, women's sports, in general, are on the rise.
The future is NOW
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 28, 2024
The 2024 WNBA Draft presented by @statefarm will be OPEN to the fans at an all NEW location!
April 15th
Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, N.Y. (BAM)
Tickets go on sale Thursday March 7th – https://t.co/7JTr1YylLV
Airing exclusively on ESPN… pic.twitter.com/vxMzzxQLHb
Viewership among national television partners surged by nearly 21 percent, reflecting the WNBA's remarkable growth throughout the season. The 2023 WNBA Draft, in particular, garnered an average of 572,000 viewers, marking the most-watched draft since 2004. Attendance rose by 16 percent, and the WNBA experienced significant increases in social media engagement, sports betting activity, and digital platform interactions.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music has been home to numerous renowned events in music, theater, film, dance, and more. With a legacy spanning over 160 years, the Academy will serve as the host venue for the highly anticipated event come April.
Having previously been held in Manhattan and the Mohegan Sun Arena, the evening will be filled with various festivities. To begin, players will have the opportunity to flaunt their fashion and personalities on the "Orange Carpet" and will speak to the media before they get their names called. Before the event commences, the prospects will visit the Empire State Building to kick off the draft festivities with a lighting ceremony.
As the talent pool continues to expand, the WNBA will unveil "Draft Central" in March. Modeled after the NBA's platform, this initiative will spotlight the skills and analyses of draft prospects. Moreover, it will offer fans and media the opportunity to access team-specific information, including transactions, news, and picks.
This development marks a significant milestone for the WNBA and underscores the league's evolution. Providing comprehensive draft prospect and team information is crucial for the league's growth and visibility.
As the official start to the WNBA season, we knew the WNBA Draft 2024 presented by State Farm should be transformed into a larger, fan-focused event to celebrate the incredible talent set to enter the draft, "said Engelbert.
Despite the draft lottery taking place on December 10, the Indiana Fever retain the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. However, due to a series of transactions, the draft order now looks markedly different compared to the time of the lottery.
2023 #WNBADraft
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) April 11, 2023
No. 1: Aliyah Boston (IND)
No. 10: Zia Cooke (LA)
No. 24: Brea Beal (MIN) pic.twitter.com/EqFXK5zbXP
Round no.1
Round no.2
Round no. 3
The 2024 WNBA Draft is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on April 15th. Viewers can catch the action live on ESPN, with the event featuring WNBA Countdown presented by Google on the ESPN app. For fans eager to stay updated throughout the night, wnba.com will be the go-to source.
As the draft heads to Brooklyn, the world eagerly anticipates capturing and celebrating the journeys of these prospects both on and off the court as they embark on the next chapter of their careers.
The WNBA season will kick off on May 15 with four games scheduled to start at 7 p.m ET.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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]]>The Indiana Fever earned their second consecutive No.1 pick, while the Sparks, Mercury and Storm get their respective 2024 WNBA Draft orders.
Congratulations to the @IndianaFever for winning the No.1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery presented by @StateFarm
— WNBA (@WNBA) December 10, 2023
Check out the remaining order for the first round here: https://t.co/nYxWWNRw3v pic.twitter.com/vkVpVFbyYE
No. 1 secured.
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) December 10, 2023
For the second-straight year, we will have the first pick in the @WNBA Draft! pic.twitter.com/vyq3qB1KzH
The Indiana Fever officially hold the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and have the possibility of drafting basketball phenomenon Caitlin Clark. While Clark is eligible for this year's draft, she also has another year of eligibility, with the option of returning to Iowa. In a 30 minute special presented by ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, the WNBA Draft order is set for Apr. 15.
With a 44 % chance of landing the first pick, Aliyah Boston was present to represent the Indiana Fever organization on Sunday afternoon. The former No.1 pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, Boston was named WNBA Rookie of the year in her first season with Indiana. She briefly expressed her excitement of possibly adding another rookie star to play along side her at the podium.
"I think it is just going to be another talented player that we can use to help build us to be back to the franchise [Fever] was at, so I am super excited for this upcoming draft," Boston told Carolyn Peck. "Talking to them, I think that's going to be important because I had great vets that talked to me."
Boston also implied the importance of helping her new teammate achieve her goals. Paying it forward, the former South Carolina Gamecock strives to be a leader, and focuses on discipline. While Connecticut Sun Stephanie White was in attendance for the Lottery, the last time the Fever advanced to the playoffs was in 2016. You want to know what's ironic? White was the head coach of Indiana, coaching Tamika Catchings. With one WNBA Championship won by the Fever in 2015, this young team has the chance to compete again.
Top 2!
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) December 10, 2023
The Sparks have earned the 2nd pick of the 2024 @WNBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/mjAPtIsTKV
With only an 18 % chance of securing the No. 1 Pick, the Los Angeles Sparks secured the No.2 pick in this years upcoming draft. Represented by Head Coach Curt Miller, the Sparks are in an excellent position to add a young star next to Jordin Canada, Zia Cooke, and Nneka Ogwumike. Coming off a 17-23 2023 win/loss record, the Sparks have a ?30-46 cumulative record over two seasons. While UConn's Paige Bueckers and Stanford's Cameron Brink have been linked to the No. 2 pick, it's unclear who the Sparks will take. One of the most iconic franchises in WNBA History, Los Angles has three WNBA Championships, although they haven't been to the postseason since the 2020 season.
Coach Miller touched upon what's needed for the Sparks to compete once again in the league. "Dynamic players available in this upcoming draft," said Miller. "But, excited about adding an impactful player in the locker room, as much as on the court. High character, someone that's coachable, and wants to learn from these great veterans in the locker room."
We have received the third pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft pic.twitter.com/YOH3RU9KWL
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) December 10, 2023
Represented by Mercury and Suns Owner, Mat Ishbia, along with daughter Jaime , Phoenix had a 28 % chance of landing the first overall pick. While they hoped for the first slot, the Mercury will certainly have the opportunity to draft a dynamic player at three. After finishing 9-31, Phoenix will look to bounce back behind Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi. One of the most successful franchises in WNBA history, they have three total WNBA Championships. With one of the best attendance records in the league, the Mercury reached 10 consecutive playoff appearances before falling short last season.
On Sunday afternoon, Ishbia noted Griner and Taurasi have been vital to the teams success. Phoenix selected Griner as the No. 1 overall pick in 2013, and Taurasi as the first pick in 2004. Together, they won an WNBA title in 2014.
"They're real excited, we are real excited," said Ishbia prior to the Draft Lottery. "BG [Griner] has been a big part of our success, along with Diana [Taurasi]."
Much like the Sparks, the Mercury won't know who will land in their land until certain players will decide they will ultimately declare for the WNBA Draft, or return to their respective collegiate teams.
Lottery complete Our 2024 #WNBA Draft picks are set #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/LSU3bsFx3E
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) December 11, 2023
The Seattle Storm had the lowest odds at 10 % to land the first pick, and secured the No. 4 pick in this years WNBA Draft. Represented by Head Coach Noelle Quinn, the Storm finished 11-29 last season, and are in complete rebuild mode post Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart era. Led by guard Jewell Loyd, Seattle has four WNBA Championships, most recently in 2018 and 2020. While they had 7 consecutive playoff runs, the Storm missed out completely in the 2022-2023 season.
Former No. 1 overall pick selected by the Storm in 2015, Loyd averaged career highs in points (24.7), and rebounds (4.7). Seattle could use a guard to compliment Loyd in the backcourt, as she accounted for 31 % of the total offense. Even at the four slot, the Storm will have several options.
The 2024 WNBA Draft will take place on Apr. 15. The Draft Lottery was based off team's cumulative record over the past two seasons.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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]]>The 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery will occur on Dec. 10, which will officially kick off the start of the offseason. With the actual WNBA Draft set for April. 15, the Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, and Seattle Storm all have a shot to land the No. 1 pick.
The 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery presented by @StateFarm is almost here
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 31, 2023
Tune in to ESPN on December 10 at 4:30pm/ET to see who will get the #1 pick! pic.twitter.com/4q8DwJP3oP
The WNBA Draft Lottery process will begin on Dec. 10, which is ironically the same day as the 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame Women's showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena. With the Fever, Sparks, Mercury, and Storm all qualifying for top picks, there is a process for lottery odds that I will explain further. With all four teams finishing under .500 last season, the Fever have the best odds of securing the No.1 pick. When it comes to lottery odds, it's based off a team's collective record over the past two seasons.
1-4: Yet to be determined
5. Dallas Wings (Via Chicago Sky)
6. Washington Mystics
7. Minnesota Lynx
8. Atlanta Dream
9. Dallas Wings
10. Connecticut Sun
11. New York Liberty
12. Los Angeles Sparks (Via Las Vegas Aces)
Team | 2022-2023 Cumulative Record | Chance per 1,000 |
1.Indiana Fever | 18-58 | 442 |
2. Phoenix Mercury | 24-53 | 276 |
3. Los Angeles Sparks | 30-46 | 178 |
4. Seattle Storm | 33-43 | 104 |
may the odds be in our favor.
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 31, 2023
tune in to the @WNBA Draft Lottery on December 10.
https://t.co/FyeFYkktBu pic.twitter.com/x8Wsnq2zVV
If Indiana does in fact grab the No. 1, the organization will have back-to-back first overall picks, selecting Aliyah Boston last year. Indiana, who finished with a 13-27 overall record, once again have the best odds after finishing under .500 for seven straight seasons. The Fever, led by head coach Christie Sides, now have a chance to make a statement in the league, if granted the top pick. With that said, Indiana has a 44 % chance of landing the No.1 pick and will not slide any further than No. 3 overall. After finishing 18-58 after two seasons, Indiana looks to build around Boston.
20 years ago today, we won the WNBA Draft Lottery. Securing the #1 pick, our franchise went on to draft Diana Taurasi!
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) December 3, 2023
Days Until Draft Lottery: 7⃣ pic.twitter.com/5rkKUPWw0d
The Phoenix Mercury, who finished a league worst 9-31, currently have the second-best odds of landing the first pick. With Nate Tibbetts officially introduced as the organizations newest head coach, it was announced Kristi Toliver was named associate coach this week. Toliver, 37, has spent 14 years in the WNBA, and recently tore her ACL as a member with the Washington Mystics. The Mercury, led by Diana Taurasi and Britney Griner, have a 24-52 record over two seasons. Overall, they have a 28 % chance of the first pick.
1 week away.
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) December 3, 2023
The Sparks have a 17.8% chance at the No. 1 pick.
Where do you think we land, Sparks fam? pic.twitter.com/oOwmWQCmh0
The Los Angeles Sparks have an 18 % chance of landing the top draft pick. Led by Curt Miller, Los Angeles fell short of a playoff run, finishing with a 17-23 in the 2023 season. With a 30-46 record over two seasons, the Sparks will continue to build around Jordin Canada, Zia Cooke, and of course Nneka Ogwumike.
For the first time since 2016 the @seattlestorm are back in the WNBA Draft Lottery presented by @StateFarm
— WNBA (@WNBA) December 5, 2023
Let’s take a look back at when they won the Draft Lottery in 2015 and 2016, landing @jewellloyd and @breannastewart as their #1 picks
Tune in to the 2024 WNBA Draft… pic.twitter.com/zBrD7tIRpP
Since the departure of Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird, The Seattle Storm, led by Jewell Loyd, finished 11-29 last season, and have a combined 33-43 record over the last few seasons. With a 10 % chance of grabbing the No. 1 spot, the Storm will look to rebuild after their recent championship success. I will say, a combined 33-43 cumulative record over two seasons isn't indicative of how this team is structured now. Both Stewart and Bird contribute to that record, and the Storm are in a complete rebuild mode.
Along with a cumulative record over the past two seasons, much like the lottery, there will be a total of 14 balls placed. With four teams in the mix, means four balls will be drawn out of the machine. In a simple process, whichever team assigned a certain four-digit combination will "receive the No. 1 pick," per WNBA. After, those four balls will be put back in the machine to determine which team will be granted to No. 2 pick.
The 2024 WNBA Draft is projecting Iowa guard Caitlin Clark to be selected as the No.1 pick. Along with Clark, UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers, and center Aaliyah Edwards are eligeable for the draft. Stanford forward Cameron Brink and LSU transfer Hailey Van Lith are all projected top selections. However, both Clark and Bueckers have the options to return to their respective programs. Angel Reese (LSU), Georgia Amoore (Virginia Tech), Rickea Jackson (Tennessee), Kamila Cardoso (South Carolina), Jacy Sheldon (Ohio State), Deja Kelly (North Carolina), and Elizabeth Kitley (Virginia Tech) are all projected 2024 picks. If Clark and Bueckers were to forgo the 2024 WNBA Draft, that would change the projection drastically.
The Lottery will take place at 4:30 p.m. EST.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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