2017 WNBA Draft Pick 3: Dallas Wings Select Evelyn Akhator

Jan 7, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Evelyn Akhator (13) passes the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Nikki Hegstetter (13) in the second half at Memorial Coliseum. Kentucky defeated Alabama 73-48. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Evelyn Akhator (13) passes the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Nikki Hegstetter (13) in the second half at Memorial Coliseum. Kentucky defeated Alabama 73-48. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

In a surprise, the Dallas Wings took Kentucky’s athletic big Evelyn Akhator with the third pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft.

Akhator, a versatile 6’3 forward/center for the Wildcats, improved dramatically in 2016-17, finishing with a true shooting percentage 60.8 percent. She projects as a plus rebounder at the next level, so the 13.8 percent of available rebounds feels as much like a floor as a ceiling.

Akhator should learn a great deal from playing with Glory Johnson, a potential archetype for her in the WNBA.