Women's Hoop Report 78
Reviewing our favorite WNBA Draft picks
The WNBA Draft took place on April 15, which is traditionally known as Tax Day in the United States. Every team hopes to get a great return on its newest additions. In this feature we will take a look at some of our favorite selections that have the ability to take the league to higher heights.
Below: Awak Kuier
Dallas had the first two picks in the draft and three out of the top five selections. In our opinion, Awak Kuier, a center out of Finland that has the ability to dunk and amazing length, has the most potential to become a global superstar. She is articulate which goes a long way when representing a franchise and league. Another key element is while she is a Finnish citizen, Kuier is of Sudanese decent and was born in Egypt. The overall African market in basketball is on the rise as well and many athletes on the continent could possibly find inspiration in Kuier.
Below: Kysre Gondrezick
When the Indiana Fever selected Kysre Gondrezick, it seemed to catch the commentators on ESPN off guard. All season long the five-foot-nine guard was one of the brightest stars in college basketball for West Virginia. Gondrezick was the Winner's Only National Player of the Year. She is a tough player who can put the ball in the basket and distribute as well. She averaged 19.5 points and her midwestern grit should connect with the fans in Indianapolis. Gondrezick is a native of nearby Michigan, where she was named Miss Basketball and the state Gatorade Player of the Year in 2017. She is a second generation pro as her dad (Grant) and uncle (Glen) both played in the NBA.
Below: Rennia Davis
Tennessee's Rennia Davis was projected by ESPN, CBS and Bleacher Report to go in the top five of the draft but the forward/guard slipped to the ninth spot as the Minnesota Lynx selected the tough competitor. She is capable of rebounding and defending at a high level and if that translates to the WNBA she will have a lengthy career in the league.
When the first round ended it was stunning that Louisville's Dana Evans, Rutgers' Arella Guirantes and Oklahoma State's Natasha Mack were still available.
Below: Dana Evans (right)
The Dallas Wings continued to stockpile talent choosing Dana Evans. The five-foot-six scorer from Gary, Indiana was relieved to be selected but wasn't pleased to where she slipped. Nonetheless, along with top pick Texas' Charli Collier, Arkansas' Chelsea Dungee and the previously mentioned Awak Kuier, Evans brings the excitement level of the Wings to a higher place. Evans had four games this season with 29 points, including her final collegiate game where she put up as many points in the NCAA Tournament against eventual champ Stanford.
Below: Natasha Mack
The Winners Only National Defensive Player of the Year, Natasha Mack was a steal as she was selected by the Chicago Sky with the fourth pick of the second round. Right here we will make a prediction, Mack will be a Hall-of-Famer. She will be a top five WNBA rebounder and the league's all-time leader in blocked shots by the time her career is over. Lastly, we will predict at least three WNBA championships. Sounds bold, right? However, Mack with other talented players around her will effect winning like few others in this draft.
Below: Unique Thompson
Another second round pick that we like is Indiana Fever's Unique Thompson who thrived individually despite a rough overall season by Auburn. The forward is the school's number one rebounder and second all-time leading rebounder. Micaela Kelly has gone from Central Michigan where she was the Mid American Conference Tournament MVP to the ninth pick of the second round for the Connecticut Sun. She had six games with at least 30 points this season.
Below: Micaela Kelly
Right after her was Los Angeles Sparks second round selection of Arella Guirantes a shooting guard out of Rutgers. She was another player that ESPN, CBS and Bleacher Report had going early in the first round. Guirantes can get it done on both sides of the court. She had nine games with at least two blocks and four games with at least 30 points. She posted 30 in her final college game during the NCAA Tournament.
Below: Arella Guirantes
Las Vegas had the final pick of the draft with the 12th selection of the third round. The Aces selected a talented scoring guard in Kionna Jeter. She averaged 22.9 points per game scoring a season high 37 points in a win over College of Charleston.
Below: Kionna Jeter
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Alex Eala
Tennis has always been a sport where stories of discipline, sacrifice, and quiet resilience shape champions long before trophies do. In recent years, one name has steadily gained international attention for embodying those qualities with grace and ambition: Alex Eala. Still early in her professional journey, Eala represents more than individual success. She symbolizes a shift in global tennis, where talent now rises from regions once considered outside the sport’s traditional power centers. From junior Grand Slam glory to appearances on the professional tour, Eala’s path reflects patience, planning, and belief. Her performances, including moments connected to tournaments like the Auckland Open and the ASB Classic, show a player learning to translate promise into lasting impact. Early Foundations of a Rising Star Alex Eala’s story begins with a strong foundation built on family support and access to elite training. Unlike many players who rise through local circuits alone, Eala’s development was guided by a long-term vision. That vision led her to the Rafa Nadal Academy, an environment known for shaping technically sound and mentally strong athletes. At the academy, Eala refined her baseline game, improved her court movement, and learned how to compete with intention rather than emotion. These lessons were evident in her junior career, where she achieved milestones that placed her among the most promising young players of her generation. What stood out was not only her results but her composure. Eala played with a maturity that suggested she understood tennis as a marathon, not a sprint. Junior Success and Global Recognition Eala’s junior achievements opened doors to the international tennis spotlight. Winning major junior titles placed her name alongside players who would later become tour regulars. 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For tennis fans watching the next generation take shape, her journey is one worth following closely.
By Saboor Brohi 6 days ago in Unbalanced
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