2018 WNBA Draft Big Board, v. 3.0: Ranking underclassmen

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 11: WNBA President Lisa Borders (L) speaks during a news conference as the WNBA and MGM Resorts International announce the Las Vegas Aces as the name of their franchise at the House of Blues Las Vegas inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on December 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In October, the league announced that the San Antonio Stars would relocate to Las Vegas and begin play in the 2018 season at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Getty Images) /

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KNOXVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 10: Texas Longhorns guard Ariel Atkins (23) looks to drive around Tennessee Lady Volunteers guard Meme Jackson (10) during a game between the Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Lady Volunteers on December 10, 2017, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Tennessee defeated Texas 82-75.(Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

10. New York Liberty: Ariel Atkins 5’11 G/F Texas

It isn’t fair to expect Atkins to be Katie Smith, of course: Smith is one of the league’s all-time greats. But there are a ton of parallels between Atkins’ hard-nosed defense, three-point proficiency and ability to rebound (especially on the defensive glass) beyond her size and position. And if the Liberty aren’t going to give Rebecca Allen a real 30-minutes-per-game look at the three (another argument for another time), Atkins could be the solution here, playing for a coach in Smith who will know precisely how to mold her.

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