WNBA Mock Draft Big Board 6.0: A big move

8. Phoenix Mercury: Arike Ogunbowale, 5’8 G, Notre Dame

There’s a lot of Diana Taurasi in Ogunbowale, from embracing the big moment to the titanic confidence, and so the Merc are an awfully good landing spot for her to come learn from the woman who inspired a herd of goats to be placed in a general manager’s office with dire consequences. But the thing that makes Ogunbowale such a good fit for Sandy Brondello’s team is what she can do to replicate both the playmaking production of Taurasi when she needs to rest, or serve as a Briann January complement off the ball next to Taurasi as well. Phoenix was unstoppable last season with the starting five on the floor, but things slowed when they relied on their bench, which only produced in fits and starts. The relentless competitiveness and endless attacks of the basket that represent the Arike Ogumbowale experience will come in handy as the Mercury look for the last four wins they need to get another WNBA title.