Rec’ing on…2006 WNBA Draft

Like last year, I wasn’t overly excited by the WNBA draft. I mean, it’s tough to top the Mercury getting Taurasi, you know? The only player I was actually watching was Shanna Zolman. I’d cheered for her throughout her Tennessee career, and was pleased that she went early in the second round. I’m not sure San Antonio is the best place for her, but it’s very possible this team will have a break-out year. They certainly started gelling at the end of the 2005 season, and with a more experienced Feenstra back in the middle, and a 3-point shooter in Zolman, the pieces might be in place.

For me, the big surprise was the Phoenix/Houston trade where Phoenix’s draft choices (Liz Shimek and Mistie Williams) were sent in exchange for Ann Strother. I like this trade for two reasons: 1) As a Maryland fan, I was having trouble reconciling the possibility of cheering for Duke’s Williams; 2) The reunion of Huskies Strother and Taurasi should make up for the chemistry lost in the DeForge trade. I’m looking forward to this (though I don’t think the Mercury will fare much better than last season unless Stepanova is a season-long member of the team).

The annoyance of the day was when Sacramento Head Coach Whisenant was being interviewed on-air and he kept referring to Utah phenom Kim Smith as Liz Smith (the NY Post gossip columnist?)…even after Nancy Lieberman tried to help him by clearly saying the player’s name during a question. The Monarchs will be in town for a preseason game…maybe I should make a sign?

Seattle probably got the steal of the draft with Erin Grant late in the third round. With Seattle needing a backup for Sue Bird, this rook will be a welcome addition. It’s simply amazing that she was even available so late in the draft. I feel sorry for Erin that she loses out financially by $2000-3000 a year, but I’m glad she’s with a team that can not only use her, but mold her career into something that can last.