2009 WNBA Draft 1st Round Thoughts

Let’s get to it:

#1 Angel McCoughtry – Not exactly a surprising choice, but like many I thought that her stock might have dropped some as the NCAA tourney showed a weakness with shooting at distance. Still, she’s a versatile play-maker and makes sense for an Atlanta team trying to find its way. (My pre-tournament #1 )

#2 Marissa Coleman – I was a little surprised she went second, but it’s deserved. Honestly, I think she’s a better player than Angel. Playing with Langhorne and the new acquires with the Mystics will give her a good chance to shine. (My pre-tournament #4… )

#3 Kristi Toliver – I’m a little surprised that she got picked ahead of Montgomery. Not so much because of talent, but because of buzz. Also, I’m a little disappointed that she’s not going to Phoenix, but she should fit in great with the Sky. She can score, which the Sky really need, but they also finally get a passer which will let the inside game featuring “Big Syl” to shine. (My pre-tournament #5… )

#4 Renee Montgomery – I’m a little surprised that the Lynx went for a point, but there’s no arguing that Montgomery will help to make any team better. You don’t thumb your nose at a good PG unless you already have a deal in place (which I think the Lynx did with Phoenix if KT was still on the board). (My pre-tournament #3… )

#5 DeWanna Bonner – For Phoenix, of the players left, I think this is the best pick. She’’s a shooting greyhound. With the inside game shored up with Allison Bales combined with the foundation of Tangela Smith, Bonner might do well since she’s more of a G/F at 6′4″ than a F/C. I’m a little surprised that the Mercury didn’t try for a point since TJ (I think) is enough of a proven liability that I think she might have a problem making the final roster. (My pre-tournament #9 )

#6 Briann January – As I mentioned with #4, you don’t pass up a PG if you don’t need to. January showed very well during the tournament and I think can develop well under Bevilaqua. She just has to be willing to give it all, diving for balls and such. (My pre-tournament #6 )

#7 Courtney Paris – I’m not hugely surprised that she dropped out of the top five. In fact, I received a lot of grief when I suggested she’d still be around for the Monarchs to pick up. Because of who they have on their team, Paris can be a useful reserve giving maybe 20 minutes a game. (My pre-tournament #7 )

#8 Kia Vaughn – As one of the good bigs still left on the board, I’m not at all surprised that the Liberty picked someone who could help out McCarville, but I did think they’d be more likely to go for an outside shooter. (My pre-tournament #12 )

#9 Quanitra Hollingsworth – Not on my radar. This VCU player is one of those off-the-radar picks that always seems to pop up during the 1st round, especially with teams with more than one pick. (My pre-tournament n/a )

#10 Chante Black – This was a position pick. The Sun has a strong roster, but their weakness was in center. Chante was the best fit at the position. (My pre-tournament #10 )

#11 Shavonte Zellous – Laimbeer made no secret that he wanted a guard. I thought he might manage to wrangle a trade, but down at #11, Zellous is a solid choice. I don’t think it’s quite the choice the Shock hoped for but it’s what the expected. (My pre-tournament #8 )

#12 Ashley Walker – The Storm are hoping to get Lauren Jackson back, but have to plan if she doesn’t. This was a reserve position choice, but she’s going to have to work to make the team with Batkovic and Burse in front of her. (My pre-tournament n/a )

#13 Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton – She improved her stock with the NCAA tournament. With Candace Parker being late to the team due to pregnancy, this is a good reserve choice and possibly a project for when Leslie’s career ends after this season. (My pre-tournament n/a )

Honestly, I think I called this better than I had any hope of expecting. I’m a little surprised that Ashley Paris didn’t get a call this round, but I can’t really question any of the choices except maybe #9 because I just don’t know Hollingsworth well enough to judge the choice.