2020 WNBA Mock Draft 1.0

1. Sabrina Ionescu, G, Oregon – New York Liberty

Katie Davidson: She’s a generational talent who can do it all. The talent, athleticism, leadership and maturity she displayed at the college level should all transfer over well to the WNBA. The Liberty have been in search of a true point guard, and it’s hard to imagine any floor general better suited to build around.

2. Lauren Cox, F, Baylor – Dallas Wings

Kyle Ratke: The Wings have four(!) first-round picks, so they control this entire round. Cox would be a start for them as they begin life without Skylar Diggins-Smith. A different position, sure, but Cox is a solid pick. I’m not sure if she has the star power, but the chances that she flops are very, very low. Keep an eye on a stress fracture in her foot that caused her to miss some time.

3. Satou Sabally, F, Oregon – Indiana Fever

KD: Sabally may be the most WNBA-ready player in this draft – yes, I know we’re talking about Sabrina Ionescu’s draft class. At 6’4, Sabally has the optimal build of a WNBA forward, and her versatile talent would allow her to fit on any team. She boasts speed, shooting touch and athleticism, making her an optimal lottery pick.

4. Megan Walker, F, Connecticut – Atlanta Dream

KR: Walker is coming out after her junior season. It’s a rare move, but Walker averaged 19.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last season. After losing Angel McCoughtry in free agency, there aren’t very familiar faces on this roster. If any team can afford to take a risk on a young player, it’s probably Atlanta.

5. Ruthy Hebard, F, Oregon – Dallas Wings

KD: I was tempted to choose Texas A&M’s Chennedy Carter, but the Wings are already set with backcourt players and could use another promising big. Hebard’s efficiency and premiere pick-and-roll play would be a nice compliment to standout Arike Ogunbowale’s game. She’s not much of a perimeter threat, but her consistency in the paint could provide the Wings with a reliable scoring option off the bench.

6. Chennedy Carter, G, Texas A&M – Minnesota Lynx

KR: Carter, a junior, has yet to declare for the draft. But if she does, this seems like it’d be a pretty perfect fit. The Lynx are in need of some help in the backcourt and Carter is a player who can light up the box score real quick. Carter has averaged 20 or more points in all three years at Texas A&M. While she only shot 25% from deep last season, she shot better than 35% the two seasons prior. If you’re a Lynx fan, this is a pick that should make you happy.

7. Beatrice Mompremier, F, Miami (Fla.) – Dallas Wings

KD: Wings again! Mompremier’s senior season was tarnished by a foot injury, but the Wings aren’t exactly in any kind of rush to get to the Finals and could allow for the former Miami forward to get back to her 100% under their system. That process might not take too long. Mompremier has a WNBA-ready physique and averaged 16.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in the 17 games she played in the 2019-20 season. It’s hard to pass up on her promise.

8. Kiah Gillespie, F, Florida State – Chicago Sky

KR: The guards are falling in this mock draft of ours, but with Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley and Diamond DeShields, it’s hard to see Chicago taking a guard with their first-round pick. How about an inside-out big who hasn’t shown any hesitancy to shoot from deep? While Gillespie has only shot 30.6% from deep in her career at Florida State, the shot is certainly there.

9. Tyasha Harris, G, South Carolina – Dallas Wings

KD: Despite already listing six guards on their roster, Dallas will probably use at least one of their FOUR first-round draft picks on a backcourt player. Harris’ maturity could make her a player who the Wings call on to contribute right away or one who’d be comfortable waiting their turn and learning from players such as Arike Ogunbowale and Katie Lou Samuelson. They only have one year of experience on Harris, so she fits their timeline extremely well, too.

10. Te’a Cooper, G, Baylor – Phoenix Mercury

KR: I think this would be an absolute steal for Phoenix. Cooper is an off guard, but can also assume ball-handling duties when needed. Cooper can shoot from deep. There are concerns. She attended three different colleges. That’s something teams will have to look deeper into. I know we’re the ones doing this mock draft so this is on us, but I’d be surprised if Cooper fell this far.

11. Bella Alarie, F, Princeton – Seattle Storm

KD: This isn’t exactly a selection based on roster fit, but I believe Alarie is the most talented player left on the draft board. She’s another forward who has a physical talent and skill set that should translate well to the WNBA. As Kyle mentioned in his prospect profile of Alarie, it will be interesting to see how she performs against non-Ivy League opponents, but Alarie is the type of player you certainly take a chance on.

12. Luisa Geiselsoder, C, Germany – Washington Mystics

KR: I’ll be honest. I don’t know a lot about Geiselsoder. She’s projected to go somewhere in the middle of the second round so this might be early, but Washington doesn’t have a second-round pick and if any team can take a gamble on someone like Geiselsoder – an undersized big who moves well, it’s the Mystics.