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