[OutsiderFan]

I was at the inaugural San Jose Lasers game. Always rooted for the WBL against the WNBA.

But now, since the WNBA is it, it really does need to expand. The quality has improved enough for me to take WBB seriously. I'm even watching the WNBA Draft right now. I couldn't name more than three WNBA teams, but I'm enjoying watching these young ladies enjoy their draft moment and ESPN providing the spotlight for them.

[OutsiderFan]

I was at the inaugural San Jose Lasers game. Always rooted for the WBL against the WNBA.

But now, since the WNBA is it, it really does need to expand. The quality has improved enough for me to take WBB seriously. I'm even watching the WNBA Draft right now. I couldn't name more than three WNBA teams, but I'm enjoying watching these young ladies enjoy their draft moment and ESPN providing the spotlight for them.

[BostonCard]

McDonald looks to have helped herself in the tournament.  She got picked #3.  Collier was picked #1, despite some people on this board not being impressed by her (it probably does help that she will continue to play close by, in Dallas, where there are surely a fair number of Texas fans).

Onyenwere got picked at #5.

The 8th pick has come and gone, and Williams is still on the board.

BC

[BostonCard]

McDonald looks to have helped herself in the tournament.  She got picked #3.  Collier was picked #1, despite some people on this board not being impressed by her (it probably does help that she will continue to play close by, in Dallas, where there are surely a fair number of Texas fans).

Onyenwere got picked at #5.

The 8th pick has come and gone, and Williams is still on the board.

BC

[WBB fan]

I'm pretty darn sure it was the ABL, not the WBL -- We had season tix from the beginning, drove from SF to San Jose for every game. Not only was Azzi on the Laser roster, so was Anita Kaplan. It was a wonderful league, but it was impossible to compete with the WNBA which had NBA backing, and the ABL was on its own.

As for the comment that few fans have an interest in the WNBA, better media coverage could change that. Right now, with no team in the Bay Area, we get almost nothing in the local papers about what's going on, and it's hard to get people interested if they don't hear anything about the league.. I find it very frustrating. There's great play going on, and if a team comes to the Bay Area, my prediction is that people will be ready to support it, assuming the local media does. I think it would.

[WBB fan]

I'm pretty darn sure it was the ABL, not the WBL -- We had season tix from the beginning, drove from SF to San Jose for every game. Not only was Azzi on the Laser roster, so was Anita Kaplan. It was a wonderful league, but it was impossible to compete with the WNBA which had NBA backing, and the ABL was on its own.

As for the comment that few fans have an interest in the WNBA, better media coverage could change that. Right now, with no team in the Bay Area, we get almost nothing in the local papers about what's going on, and it's hard to get people interested if they don't hear anything about the league.. I find it very frustrating. There's great play going on, and if a team comes to the Bay Area, my prediction is that people will be ready to support it, assuming the local media does. I think it would.

[BillBradley]

While I'm a big women's basketball / WNBA fan and would love to see more teams, I think they have to be really careful about expansion. There are lots of good players for sure, but there just aren't that many Candace Parkers, Diana Taurasis, Lisa Leslies, etc. that make the product on the court better and more interesting to watch. It takes more than just having lots of good players. For the league to really take off, you need both incredible basketball and star power on the court, in every game. The NBA isn't just LeBron and KD. People tune in to watch Dallas play because of Doncic, the Pelicans because of Zion, and even Washington because of Westbrook and Beal. There are superstars on display throughout the season and that makes it interesting. As much of a WNBA fan as I am, I could only name maybe half of the top 10 scorers in the league. Every team they add will result in a dilution of product quality. There needs to be a wave of "interesting superstars" that can take the league to the next level. I think Haley and Cam can be 2 of them. They both have a combination of being great ballers and intriguing style/personality.

[BillBradley]

While I'm a big women's basketball / WNBA fan and would love to see more teams, I think they have to be really careful about expansion. There are lots of good players for sure, but there just aren't that many Candace Parkers, Diana Taurasis, Lisa Leslies, etc. that make the product on the court better and more interesting to watch. It takes more than just having lots of good players. For the league to really take off, you need both incredible basketball and star power on the court, in every game. The NBA isn't just LeBron and KD. People tune in to watch Dallas play because of Doncic, the Pelicans because of Zion, and even Washington because of Westbrook and Beal. There are superstars on display throughout the season and that makes it interesting. As much of a WNBA fan as I am, I could only name maybe half of the top 10 scorers in the league. Every team they add will result in a dilution of product quality. There needs to be a wave of "interesting superstars" that can take the league to the next level. I think Haley and Cam can be 2 of them. They both have a combination of being great ballers and intriguing style/personality.

[OutsiderFan]

If there is a WNBA team in the Bay Area, media coverage won't be an issue if Ann Killion has anything to do with it.

[OutsiderFan]

If there is a WNBA team in the Bay Area, media coverage won't be an issue if Ann Killion has anything to do with it.

[BostonCard]

Last pick of the first round.  Here's hoping for Williams to Vegas!

BC

---

Alas, Williams is not a first round pick.  Some team will get itself a steal in the second round.

BC

[BostonCard]

Last pick of the first round.  Here's hoping for Williams to Vegas!

BC

---

Alas, Williams is not a first round pick.  Some team will get itself a steal in the second round.

BC

[81alum]

Las Vegas selected Destiny Slocum when Kiana was still on the board.  I don't get that.  Ki was expected to go about 8 and we are now moving to 15 next.

---

Another 2 have gone by and no Kiana and Carrington still on the board.  Next pick is #17.

It looks like several European players who were not expected to go so highly have been chosen so far.

And now Didi Richards.

---

Kiana is taken at 18 by Seattle!

[81alum]

Las Vegas selected Destiny Slocum when Kiana was still on the board.  I don't get that.  Ki was expected to go about 8 and we are now moving to 15 next.

---

Another 2 have gone by and no Kiana and Carrington still on the board.  Next pick is #17.

It looks like several European players who were not expected to go so highly have been chosen so far.

And now Didi Richards.

---

Kiana is taken at 18 by Seattle!

[WBB fan]

kiana goes #18, to Seattle Storm -- will be playing behind Sue Bird, what a person to learn from!

[WBB fan]

kiana goes #18, to Seattle Storm -- will be playing behind Sue Bird, what a person to learn from!

[TheFarm07]

kiana goes #18, to Seattle Storm -- will be playing behind Sue Bird, what a person to learn from!

Yea!!! As a Seattle fan, love to see Stanford alums head to the Emerald City

[TheFarm07]

kiana goes #18, to Seattle Storm -- will be playing behind Sue Bird, what a person to learn from!

Yea!!! As a Seattle fan, love to see Stanford alums head to the Emerald City

[81alum]

Connecticut selects Carrington.

[81alum]

Connecticut selects Carrington.

[TheFarm07]

Carrington to the Connecticut Sun with the #20 pick

[TheFarm07]

Carrington to the Connecticut Sun with the #20 pick

[bbm233]

Las Vegas selected Destiny Slocum when Kiana was still on the board.  I don't get that.  Ki was expected to go about 8 and we are now moving to 15 next.

---

Another 2 have gone by and no Kiana and Carrington still on the board.  Next pick is #17.

It looks like several European players who were not expected to go so highly have been chosen so far.

And now Didi Richards.

---

Kiana is taken at 18 by Seattle!

Seattle isn't a great spot if she expects some early PT: starter is Sue Bird, backup is Jordin Canada (who plays a ton to give Bird rest). Not sure what the WNBA is doing during the Olympics, but could be a chance to shine while Bird is off to get her 4th(?) gold medal. Longer term prospects are better, as this may be Bird's last year.

[bbm233]

Las Vegas selected Destiny Slocum when Kiana was still on the board.  I don't get that.  Ki was expected to go about 8 and we are now moving to 15 next.

---

Another 2 have gone by and no Kiana and Carrington still on the board.  Next pick is #17.

It looks like several European players who were not expected to go so highly have been chosen so far.

And now Didi Richards.

---

Kiana is taken at 18 by Seattle!

Seattle isn't a great spot if she expects some early PT: starter is Sue Bird, backup is Jordin Canada (who plays a ton to give Bird rest). Not sure what the WNBA is doing during the Olympics, but could be a chance to shine while Bird is off to get her 4th(?) gold medal. Longer term prospects are better, as this may be Bird's last year.

[TheFarm07]

Las Vegas selected Destiny Slocum when Kiana was still on the board.  I don't get that.  Ki was expected to go about 8 and we are now moving to 15 next.

---

Another 2 have gone by and no Kiana and Carrington still on the board.  Next pick is #17.

It looks like several European players who were not expected to go so highly have been chosen so far.

And now Didi Richards.

---

Kiana is taken at 18 by Seattle!

Seattle isn't a great spot if she expects some early PT: starter is Sue Bird, backup is Jordin Canada (who plays a ton to give Bird rest). Not sure what the WNBA is doing during the Olympics, but could be a chance to shine while Bird is off to get her 4th(?) gold medal. Longer term prospects are better, as this may be Bird's last year.

True, the Storm already has Canada who has a couple years of experience under her belt, but Williams has better range than Jordin, so if Kiana can be less streaky, I think she could challenge for playing time

[TheFarm07]

Las Vegas selected Destiny Slocum when Kiana was still on the board.  I don't get that.  Ki was expected to go about 8 and we are now moving to 15 next.

---

Another 2 have gone by and no Kiana and Carrington still on the board.  Next pick is #17.

It looks like several European players who were not expected to go so highly have been chosen so far.

And now Didi Richards.

---

Kiana is taken at 18 by Seattle!

Seattle isn't a great spot if she expects some early PT: starter is Sue Bird, backup is Jordin Canada (who plays a ton to give Bird rest). Not sure what the WNBA is doing during the Olympics, but could be a chance to shine while Bird is off to get her 4th(?) gold medal. Longer term prospects are better, as this may be Bird's last year.

True, the Storm already has Canada who has a couple years of experience under her belt, but Williams has better range than Jordin, so if Kiana can be less streaky, I think she could challenge for playing time

[chimera]

Bird just signed a new contract so she will be playing a couple more years at least.  I don't know if she is going to make the Olympic team.  She is still a great point guard but with so many options maybe USA Basketball goes younger, gives some young pg a chance.  I think Seattle is a mixed bag for Kiana.  If they feel Bird is their starter and really like Canada, do they see a need for a third pg on a 12 player roster?  Kiana could stick if they think Bird will be gone for the Olympics or that Bird will need a lot of rest so two back-ups would be needed, or I guess if they think Kiana would also make a good shooting guard as well as pg.  It is just crazy hard to make a WNBA roster unless you are a high first round pick.  Most players drafted lower than that don't make a roster.

[chimera]

Bird just signed a new contract so she will be playing a couple more years at least.  I don't know if she is going to make the Olympic team.  She is still a great point guard but with so many options maybe USA Basketball goes younger, gives some young pg a chance.  I think Seattle is a mixed bag for Kiana.  If they feel Bird is their starter and really like Canada, do they see a need for a third pg on a 12 player roster?  Kiana could stick if they think Bird will be gone for the Olympics or that Bird will need a lot of rest so two back-ups would be needed, or I guess if they think Kiana would also make a good shooting guard as well as pg.  It is just crazy hard to make a WNBA roster unless you are a high first round pick.  Most players drafted lower than that don't make a roster.

[CompSci87]

If we get a WNBA team in the Bay Area, I'll be one of the first signing up for Season Tix -- get on with it, Warriors!!!

Joe Lacob has expressed interest in getting a WNBA team. I don't know if he tried with any of the existing 12 franchises that have moved or changed hands lately. Expansion would be great, but I haven't heard any rumors of it being on the horizon.

[CompSci87]

If we get a WNBA team in the Bay Area, I'll be one of the first signing up for Season Tix -- get on with it, Warriors!!!

Joe Lacob has expressed interest in getting a WNBA team. I don't know if he tried with any of the existing 12 franchises that have moved or changed hands lately. Expansion would be great, but I haven't heard any rumors of it being on the horizon.

[Baez87]

Kiana showed real poise and dignity in her brief interview during the televised draft. While some of the others may have used their time in the spotlight to share their disappointment for not having been picked higher or by other teams, Kiana said she wasn’t concerned by her place in the draft, that it was much more important to her to join a team that was a fit for her. She illustrated this by saying that she looked forward to playing with and learning from Sue Bird and Jordan Canada.

[Baez87]

Kiana showed real poise and dignity in her brief interview during the televised draft. While some of the others may have used their time in the spotlight to share their disappointment for not having been picked higher or by other teams, Kiana said she wasn’t concerned by her place in the draft, that it was much more important to her to join a team that was a fit for her. She illustrated this by saying that she looked forward to playing with and learning from Sue Bird and Jordan Canada.

[BillBradley]

Against smaller teams, Kiana could also play off ball and be more of a scorer / 3 point threat. Could be awesome for her. Congrats Ki!

[BillBradley]

Against smaller teams, Kiana could also play off ball and be more of a scorer / 3 point threat. Could be awesome for her. Congrats Ki!

[crackpot]

If we get a WNBA team in the Bay Area, I'll be one of the first signing up for Season Tix -- get on with it, Warriors!!!

Joe Lacob has expressed interest in getting a WNBA team. I don't know if he tried with any of the existing 12 franchises that have moved or changed hands lately. Expansion would be great, but I haven't heard any rumors of it being on the horizon.

IIRC, they were looking at getting the Sparks before Magic Johnson and friends made the deal.

[crackpot]

If we get a WNBA team in the Bay Area, I'll be one of the first signing up for Season Tix -- get on with it, Warriors!!!

Joe Lacob has expressed interest in getting a WNBA team. I don't know if he tried with any of the existing 12 franchises that have moved or changed hands lately. Expansion would be great, but I haven't heard any rumors of it being on the horizon.

IIRC, they were looking at getting the Sparks before Magic Johnson and friends made the deal.

[WBB fan]

Article from The Next evaluating the Storm's draft, with much comment about how Kiana fits in

https://thenext.substack.com/p/three-que...ource=copy

[WBB fan]

Article from The Next evaluating the Storm's draft, with much comment about how Kiana fits in

https://thenext.substack.com/p/three-que...ource=copy

[IM in OC]

Here is someone who should be invited to a WNBA camp.

https://twitter.com/EuroLeagueWomen/stat...1798000640

[IM in OC]

Here is someone who should be invited to a WNBA camp.

https://twitter.com/EuroLeagueWomen/stat...1798000640