Two LSU Tigers Selected In 2023 WNBA Draft
Fresh off their National Championship run, the LSU Women's Basketball program has sent two players to the professional ranks. Tonight was the WNBA Draft, and two LSU Tigers went in the top 22 picks.
The WNBA has fewer teams than most professional leagues, so when their draft comes around the selections sound a little different than sports fans might be used to. In the NBA, there are 30 teams...so 30 picks in each round of the draft. So when you hear "second round pick", its going to be someone selected at 31st overall or after. In the WNBA, there are 12 teams...so 12 picks per round.
That means, when I say that two LSU Tigers were picked in the second round of the WNBA Draft, it means they were still picked in the top 22 picks.
The first selection was pick #5 in the second round, or #17 overall. That was LaDazhia Williams who was selected by the Indiana Fever.
Here's what ESPN said about Williams:
"Pre-Draft Analysis
A 6-foot-4 forward, she started her career at South Carolina, then went to Missouri and then finished with LSU, winning an NCAA championship. A strong rebounder and defender, Williams averaged 9.9 points and 6.0 rebounds this season. -- M.A. Voepel
Post-Draft Analysis
Her play in the NCAA tournament and LSU's title run likely gave a boost to Williams' draft status. So did the nearly nine points and six rebounds she averaged in her one year with the Tigers despite sharing the frontcourt with Angel Reese. -- Charlie Creme"
The next LSU Tiger selected was just 5 picks later, #10 in the second round, and #22 overall. That was when the Connecticut Sun selected Alexis Morris.
Here's what ESPN said on draft night about Morris:
"Pre-Draft Analysis
After four schools in six years, Morris starred in the NCAA tournament, particularly the Final Four, in helping lead LSU to its first national title. Morris also showcased that she can play either guard spot. -- Charlie Creme
Post-Draft Analysis
With a changing roster and new coaching staff, the Sun needed point guard depth. To get Morris with their first pick this late in the draft looks like a win for Connecticut. Morris, as important as any player during LSU's title run, showcased her all-around talent in her final season with the Tigers after four stops in her college career. -- Charlie Creme"
Morris was in attendance at the WNBA Draft, and was joined by LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey.
After Morris was selected by the Sun, she got to hold up her new team colors as well, showing off the Connecticut jersey she will be wearing next year. Here she is with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert showing off her new team colors.
The top pick in the WNBA Draft was another SEC player, South Carolina's Aliyah Boston. She was taken #1 overall by the Indiana Fever, and will now be teammates with former LSU star LaDazhia Williams.