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1. Caitlin Clark, G, Iowa
2. Cameron Brink, F, Stanford
The general emphasis on Clark perhaps overshadows how much Cameron Brink can be a difference-maker at the next level.
The Stanford forward averaged 17.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks while continuing to expand her offensive repertoire. Her 21 made threes were nearly double her previous single-season best.
Brink has the two-way game that’s perfectly suited for today’s WNBA, where bigs are increasingly expected to get out on the perimeter to match the general shift we’ve seen in the NBA.
3. Rickea Jackson, F, Tennessee
In terms of her draft position, staying at Tennessee for one more year didn’t change much for Rickea Jackson. The 6’2 forward nonetheless benefited from the experience as she continued to incrementally evolve her game.
Jackson averaged 20.2 points on 48.5 percent shooting, including 33.8 percent from beyond the arc, along with 8.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Not unlike Rhyne Howard with the Atlanta Dream, Jackson may have an easier transition to the WNBA because she’ll go from being the focal point of the opponent’s defensive game plan to a slightly lower-usage role.
The Lady Vols star will be much more than a consolation prize for the Chicago Sky assuming Clark and Brink go first and second.
4. Kamilla Cardoso, C, South Carolina
Much like in the NBA, traditional centers are a key ingredient in a championship formula. That still shouldn’t stop South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso from being a lottery pick.
Cardoso stepped into the void left by Aliyah Boston’s departure and anchored the frontcourt for one of Division I’s stingiest defenses. According to Her Hoop Stats, she ranked in the 98th percentile in total rebounding rate (18.8 percent) and in the 99th percentile in block rate (9.0 percent).
The 6’7″ big also put up career highs in both points (14.3) and field-goal percentage (59.8) as she occupied a larger offensive presence with Boston gone.
5. Aaliyah Edwards, F, UConn
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