Our WBB freshies will dominate the draft

CCUIrmo

Senior
Mar 21, 2022
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We will see all four taken in the first round almost certainly. I think all of them seeing how many are using their "covid" years and returning means next years WNBA draft will be loaded. The main people this hurts are the recruits coming out of high school this year. They will now get way less playing time and development and with all of ours leaving will give us a head start o developing our young players. It may mean a down year by our normal standards but will benefit in the long run.
It would almost also benefit Cardossa to stay 2 more years since she should be able to.
It is wild how many are taking their covid years. I guess WNBA needs to rethink payments because NIL is a better benefit than being a pro.
 

jasonscottinsc

Sophomore
Mar 8, 2023
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Boston will likely be the first pick. It's iffy after that, especially for first rounds. Some folks who actually create mock drafts for the WNBA have Beal in the first round, and some of them don't have Zia or Amihere getting drafted in the first round... some don't have them being drafted at all!

The difficult thing is that just because you're drafted in the first round, it's not uncommon for them to not make the team. I think the No. 7 overall pick last year got cut. I remember when USC's Coates got cut after being drafted as well. Only 12 teams with 12 players each. That's 144 spots total. You have to assume that most teams won't be looking to totally re-vamp their rosters, so out of the 36 players draft, I'll bet about 2/3 don't make the team.

Boston could be the best fit because she should excel vs one on one defenses. She'll need to hit the mid-range more.

I suppose most teams could use a defender and Beal did make strides this year offensively, but she'll need to show that she can consistently score.

Amihere has a unique skill set.... has to hit the mid-range, but her ball handling and size could be a plus, but I could also see her not making it.

Zia was a very good college player, but she'll have to show she can be a consistent offensive player. She's not a particularly big guard, so I could see her struggling to make a roster.

Hope they all make it, but probably not likely.
 

CCUIrmo

Senior
Mar 21, 2022
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Boston will likely be the first pick. It's iffy after that, especially for first rounds. Some folks who actually create mock drafts for the WNBA have Beal in the first round, and some of them don't have Zia or Amihere getting drafted in the first round... some don't have them being drafted at all!

The difficult thing is that just because you're drafted in the first round, it's not uncommon for them to not make the team. I think the No. 7 overall pick last year got cut. I remember when USC's Coates got cut after being drafted as well. Only 12 teams with 12 players each. That's 144 spots total. You have to assume that most teams won't be looking to totally re-vamp their rosters, so out of the 36 players draft, I'll bet about 2/3 don't make the team.

Boston could be the best fit because she should excel vs one on one defenses. She'll need to hit the mid-range more.

I suppose most teams could use a defender and Beal did make strides this year offensively, but she'll need to show that she can consistently score.

Amihere has a unique skill set.... has to hit the mid-range, but her ball handling and size could be a plus, but I could also see her not making it.

Zia was a very good college player, but she'll have to show she can be a consistent offensive player. She's not a particularly big guard, so I could see her struggling to make a roster.

Hope they all make it, but probably not likely.
With all that will be in the draft next year due to using their covid years, there is a better chance for them this year than next for sure though. Next years draft will be loaded with Reese, Clark, Bueckers, Osborne, Kitley, Van Lithe, Jackson, Kelly (UNC) and many more.
 

Johnmcgrath

Joined Dec 20, 2021
Feb 4, 2022
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I predict we will be a quality product much faster than many imagine. Not only are we super skilled but this group went up against our Freshies last year every day in practice.
 
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Gamecock Lincoln

Joined Nov 10, 2007 • Garnet Trust Supporter
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With all that will be in the draft next year due to using their covid years, there is a better chance for them this year than next for sure though. Next years draft will be loaded with Reese, Clark, Bueckers, Osborne, Kitley, Van Lithe, Jackson, Kelly (UNC) and many more.
could be but w/all the NIL money alot of those players will probably use their COVID year.
 

CCUIrmo

Senior
Mar 21, 2022
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could be but w/all the NIL money alot of those players will probably use their COVID year.
I dont think they get one. Our freshies were the class that missed a year and tournament as freshmen and that was last group to get the year. I think after them no other class gets the covid year because they started playing full seasons again.
 

Gamecock Lincoln

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I dont think they get one. Our freshies were the class that missed a year and tournament as freshmen and that was last group to get the year. I think after them no other class gets the covid year because they started playing full seasons again.
I hope so. I know most coaches will be glad. Hard to manage rosters when you're not sure if the seniors are coming back or leaving.
 

Gamekem

Joined Apr 3, 2019
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I dont think they get one. Our freshies were the class that missed a year and tournament as freshmen and that was last group to get the year. I think after them no other class gets the covid year because they started playing full seasons again.
Next year's class will be the last class to get a Covid year. So Cardoso could technically play 2 more years here if she chooses.
 
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Gamekem

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For the WNBA and it's limited roster spots it's all about where you go more so than when you get drafted. Most teams enter the draft knowing that 8-12 of their 12 roster spots are already unofficially filled with established vets.

There's also strict salary caps and if a first rounder is too expensive for a team they might go for a 2nd rounder strictly due to the financing being more favorable for the cheaper player on their books.

I do think all 4 of the Freshies entering the draft will get drafted. I would imagine they would all get drafted in the first two rounds. We may also see some former Gamecocks get drafted as well like Destiny Littleton and LaDhazia Williams.
 

TN-Gamecock

Joined May 10, 2002
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I was just looking at the draft projections and Saxton could go in the second round. Now the head scratcher is, does Beal get drafted before Zia? According to the report I read, Beal gets drafted in the top 6. What say you?
 

KingWard

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Feb 15, 2022
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I was just looking at the draft projections and Saxton could go in the second round. Now the head scratcher is, does Beal get drafted before Zia? According to the report I read, Beal gets drafted in the top 6. What say you?
What say I is that, with this kind of star power, we should be basking in the glow of another national championship and dynastic status. I'm still p!$$ed off. I expect to continue in that vein.
 

TN-Gamecock

Joined May 10, 2002
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What say I is that, with this kind of star power, we should be basking in the glow of another national championship and dynastic status. I'm still p!$$ed off. I expect to continue in that vein.
Oh, the ACID in that vein. Better let it go!!!