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2019 WNBA Mock Draft Big Board 2.0: Wide open field at top and bottom of first round

By Howard Megdal

NEW YORK - APRIL 1: WNBA President Val Ackerman announces the Houston Comets have received the number one overall pick in the upcoming Draft during the 1997 WNBA Draft Lottery on April 1, 1997 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Chuck Solomon/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 1: WNBA President Val Ackerman announces the Houston Comets have received the number one overall pick in the upcoming Draft during the 1997 WNBA Draft Lottery on April 1, 1997 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Chuck Solomon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 06: Missouri Tigers guard Sophie Cunningham (3) talks with an official during a college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Volunteers and Missouri Tigers on January 6, 2019, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 06: Missouri Tigers guard Sophie Cunningham (3) talks with an official during a college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Volunteers and Missouri Tigers on January 6, 2019, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

12. Seattle Storm: Sophie Cunningham, 6’1 G/F, Missouri

Remember that time a WNBA coach said, “She was too intense and competitive, we couldn’t find a role for her”? Yeah, me neither. Cunningham is certainly someone who divides observers, with some expecting her to go in the upper half of the first round, others thinking she’ll slip into the second round. It is mildly concerning that her overall efficiency numbers have dropped—effective field goal percentage 55.2 percent this season after 64.3 last year, drops in both two and three-point success. She just profiles like a player who can succeed in this league on talent alone, from the plus handle to the way she sees the floor, and it is easy to see her spending time in Dan Hughes’ rotation right away, letting him mix and match by playing her 2-3-4, even giving her some ball handling responsibilities alongside Sue Bird or spacing the floor next to Jordin Canada. The view here is if Cunningham gets picked 12, she’ll be the best 12 pick since Isabelle Harrison, if not the 12 pick the last time Seattle won it all—2011, Jasmine Thomas.

Also in the mix

Brianna Turner, Notre Dame
Marina Mabrey, Notre Dame
Megan Gustafson, Iowa

Some sleepers I’m keeping an eye on

Courtney Zezza, St. Francis PA
Daneesha Provo, Utah
Danielle King, Marquette
Bridget Carleton, Iowa State
Miranda Drummond, Syracuse
Ashton Millender, DePaul
Jenna Allen, Michigan State
Tynice Martin, West Virginia (eligible to leave early)
Tiana Mangakahia (eligible to leave early)
Laura Ferreira, South Florida
Allazia Blockton, Marquette

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