By Kennedy Kearns, Year 12
The 2024 WNBA Draft just ended up being the most-watched Women’s Draft in history. It was a monumental moment for amazing players who changed the game of college basketball, and the image for women’s sports. The first pick of the draft to Indiana Fever was none other than Caitlin Clark. As an expected first pick Caitlin and the Indiana Fever team were both very excited. The Indiana Fever team even hosted a watch party in Indianapolis, which sold out, to watch Caitlin being picked for their team. Clark has done tremendously well for women’s basketball and sports, it is very exciting to see what she will be able to do at the next level, in order to elevate the WNBA.
The second pick of the draft was Cameron Brink, from Stanford. She was selected to Los Angeles and will make a huge impact as a dynamic post player who has improved her shot from the 3-point line. The third pick went to South Carolina player Kamilla Cardosa, to Chicago. Cardosa, a 6’7” post player, can make great shots, with many moves and dynamics in the post region. Her height allowed her to be a huge asset to South Carolina and will allow her to be an asset to Chicago as well. Also drafted to Chicago at the seventh pick of the draft was LSU player Angel Reese. Reese has gained a huge following, also from LSU and has developed herself into a celebrity even more than a basketball player. The duo of Reese and Cardosa will be very interesting to watch in Chicago.
A significant moment during the draft was when Kate Martin from Iowa was drafted 18th to Las Vegas. Martin had played with Clark for the past 4 years and the two have been good friends. Martin had been the captain of the Iowa women’s team and played a significant role in being the leader the team needed while also being an asset to Clark’s game. Kate Martin had enrolled in the 2024 Draft near the beginning of her college season, but had never received word, although she was optimistic, she was sure she would not be drafted. Martin had attended the Draft with other Iowa teammates to cheer on Caitlin Clark until a producer came by and told Kate to move to the outside of her row, and then her name was called next, drafted at the end of the 2nd Round to Las Vegas. Martin went from cheering on her teammate and friend to being drafted herself.
Another dynamic duo that was drafted to different teams were Aliyah Edwards and Nika Mühl. Edwards was drafted 5th and Mühl was drafted at the beginning of the second round, so altogether it was a great event for the UConn duo. Teammate Paige Bueckers was also there to cheer them on, although Paige will not enroll into the draft until next year, due to an injury incurred last season. The UConn team made it to the final four this year, defeating most of the odds, and these three players led the team marvellously.
This draft is the most significant in women’s basketball history due to the impact all these players made at the college level. Clark will bring her following to Indiana Fever, and the fanbase for women’s basketball will continue to grow. It’s exciting to see what these women will do at the next level.
