The 2024 WNBA Draft is finally here — and two of the most well-known prospects available now know where they will begin their journeys in pro basketball.
As everyone inside the Brooklyn Academy of Music expected, the Indiana Fever selected Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark with the #1 overall pick, adding her to the best collection of young talent in the 12-team WNBA. Not as many were as certain about LSU power forward Angel Reese’s destination, but the former Tigers standout landed with the [TEAM NAME HERE] at [#SELECTION] overall, as her NCAA rivalry with Clark is set to continue at the next level.
Clark’s dream comes true
Clark’s historic collegiate career led to this — a #1 overall selection in the WNBA Draft. Clark became the first Iowa player ever to be picked first overall in the draft, and it marks the first time in 19 years that the top pick has been used on a player from the Big Ten Conference.
The moment @caitlinclark heard her name called as the #1 overall pick, taking her talents to the @indianafever ☝️
2024 #WNBADraft presented by @statefarm pic.twitter.com/u4xVPEw7uC
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 15, 2024
The fiery Clark was widely celebrated for her performances at Iowa, setting a new NCAA record for points scored in a college career and helping the Hawkeyes reach consecutive national championship games in 2023 and 2024. Viewers tuned in — in record numbers — to watch Clark light up opposing defenses this season as she chased history, and now her pro career will begin as a member of the Fever.
Caitlin Clark tells Holly Rowe after being picked first in the WNBA draft: “Just enjoying the moment. I dreamed of this moment since I was in second grade. It’s taken a lot of hard work. … I went to Iowa with the goal of taking us to the Final Four – we did it twice.” #Hawkeyes
— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) April 15, 2024
Clark will remain in Big Ten territory to begin her WNBA career, as Indianapolis is roughly 500 miles from her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa. She joins a budding young Fever core that includes last year’s #1 overall pick in Aliyah Boston, as well as sharpshooting guard Kelsey Mitchell and forward NaLyssa Smith. All but four of Indiana’s regular-season games will be national broadcasts as the WNBA seeks to capitalize on Clark’s college stardom right away.
The eruption from Fever players and fans as the Caitlin Clark pick is made. @TheNextHoops: pic.twitter.com/3rAoLTHYkF
— Tony East (@TonyREast) April 15, 2024
Reese is ready for the opportunity
Not many were sure what to expect when the “Bayou Barbie” arrived in Brooklyn for the draft. Some believed Reese could be a top-three pick; others thought she could fall toward the 8-10 range. But ultimately, the [TEAM NAME HERE] decided to take a chance on the 6’3” forward with a championship resume and a relentless personality.
[REESE’S REACTION HERE]
Reese began her NCAA career at Maryland and transferred to LSU for her final two collegiate seasons. Under the tutelage of Tigers coach Kim Mulkey, Reese became a household name in college basketball. She averaged better than 23 points and 15 rebounds per game as LSU won the national title over Clark’s Hawkeyes in 2023 — and despite missing several games through suspension this season, Reese still averaged 18.6 points and 13.4 rebounds per game as the Tigers followed up their championship with an Elite Eight appearance.
[SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION HERE]
Concerns around Reese center on her offensive game. She shot just 47 percent from the field during her senior season, with criticism continuing to surround her jump shot mechanics. But her defensive impact — especially her rebounding — will translate to the next level, with a star-level awaiting her in [TEAM CITY HERE] if she can figure out her jumper.
[MORE REACTION FROM SOCIAL MEDIA, FROM REESE, OR FROM THE DRAFT]
