The WNBA Draft has started gaining popularity after the Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. It was the second-most-viewed WNBA Draft night in recent years. I don't know if viewers will top the one where Clark was drafted.
It was the first time that basketball fans paid attention to a WNBA Draft. Some players in this year's draft might be familiar to Texas women's basketball fans. Here are some players drafted this past Monday that might be familiar to Longhorns fans.
4. Aziaha James, North Carolina State
People might remember Aziaha James from the Elite Eight in 2024. The Dallas Wings selected James with the 12th overall selection in the first round. She averaged 17 points for the Wolfpack this past season.
Her ability to cut to the net and play aggressive defense will bode well for the Dallas Wings, who need that intensity. I'm sure Vic Schaefer is glad she isn't in college basketball anymore after what she did to the Longhorns a couple of seasons ago.
3. Madison Scott, Ole Miss
Madison Scott was also selected by the Dallas Wings two picks after James had the 14th overall pick. James was a pain to guard when the Longhorns took on the Ole Miss Rebels this year. I'm sure she will be a pain in the butt to guard in the WNBA as well.
The Wings drafted her because they are looking for players who can bring a big intensity on the defensive end of the court. The fact that she is also a sharpshooter is a cherry on top for the Wings.
2. Siona Citron, Notre Dame
Siona Citron was selected 3rd overall by the Washington Mystics. Citron's 18 points against the Longhorns helped the Fighting Irish pull off the upset of the No. 4 Longhorns at the beginning of December last year.
With the way she shoots three-pointers, the Mystics are getting a guard who could help them get back to the WNBA Playoffs. The good news is the Longhorns won't have to worry about her making any more three-pointers against them in the future.
1. Paige Bueckers, UConn
Who could forget Paige Bueckers, who was taken first overall by the Dallas Wings this season? Bueckers was limited against the Longhorns in 2023 when Texas pulled off the upset at the Moody Center. Every women's basketball fan was happy to see her win the National Championship in her final season with the Huskies.
The Wings will finally get a ball-handler to move the ball up the court this upcoming season. The only question is, will Azzi Fudd get drafted by the Wings next season?