10. Washington Mystics: Kitija Laksa, 6′ F, South Florida
It is easy to fall in love with Kitija Laksa’s three-point shot and think she’ll be a designated shooter at the next level, an Ally Malott for our time. She is far more than that.
Per Synergy, she’s better than a point per possession in spot-up situations, sure. But also: as pick-and-roll ball handler, and in transition as well. She’s worked tirelessly on her defense, and her 0.711 defensive points per possession is among the better marks in the country, while her 6′ frame is sturdy, capable of guarding threes and some fours. She’s positionless enough to appeal to Mike Thibault, and shoots well enough from three to get minutes on this Mystics team. Most people don’t see Laksa play unless South Florida is playing UConn. Most people are missing out.