Iowa’s perimeter sniper, Caitlin Clark, was selected as the first overall pick by the Indiana team. Meanwhile, Bueckers was predicted to go second overall to the Phoenix Mercury.
The Big East Preseason Player of the Year is making her much-anticipated return to the court after recovering from an ACL tear that kept her out for over a year. Given that Bueckers sat out last season, it’s logical for one of the top players from the previous season to occupy the first pick.
However, it’s intriguing to mock Bueckers to the Mercury because she would get to play alongside another former Husky and the 2004 No. 1 draft pick, Diana Taurasi. The UConn legend even commented on the possibility of teaming up with the talented guard.
Bueckers has had a history of injuries. Prior to her ACL tear, she only participated in 17 games in the 2021-22 season due to various injuries. Nonetheless, head coach Geno Auriemma stated that Bueckers looks even better now than during her 2020-21 National Player of the Year campaign. If she can stay healthy, there’s no reason for Bueckers to slide down the draft board.
However, this assumes that Bueckers will choose to enter the draft after the end of this season. The preseason AP All-American still has two more years of eligibility remaining, but Bueckers has yet to announce her decision.
Edwards is projected to be the fifth overall pick by the Dallas Wings, an organization known for selecting Huskies in the past. Just last year, the Wings picked Lou Lopez Senechal with the coincidental fifth overall selection.
Despite already having several big players, Dallas recognizes Edwards’ versatility, making her an ideal power forward. The 6-foot-3 senior led the Huskies in scoring (16.6) and finished second in rebounding (9.0) last season. Even when UConn faced numerous injuries, Edwards remained healthy and served as a stabilizing force for the team.
In ESPN’s initial mock draft, Bueckers was projected as the second pick and Edwards as the fourth pick for the Seattle team.
As the lottery order has yet to be determined, it is likely that the teams’ draft positions will differ by the time draft night arrives.
Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.
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