WNBA Draft: Pick-by-pick analysis of the 2019 draft

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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 10: Cristy Hedgpeth poses with Arike Ogunbowale after being drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2019 WNBA Draft on April 10, 2019 at Nike New York Headquarters in New York, New York. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Dallas Wings selected Arike Ogunbowale, 5’8 G, Notre Dame

Considering the current Dallas roster, it’s hard to think of a better pick for Brian Agler’s crew than Ogunbowale, the most gifted one-on-one scorer in this class, capable of putting up massive offensive numbers and taking on a huge offensive role, as the Wings look to weather the expected departure of Liz Cambage and Skylar Diggins-Smith’s pregnancy.

Incidentally, the latter is a short-term issue, and so I asked Ogunbowale about playing alongside her fellow Notre Dame alum, and she agreed that the league has gotten to the point where dual playmakers in the backcourt is less a luxury than a necessity. Ogunbowale and Diggins-Smith are both capable of running the offense or hurting teams off the ball. Think the Storm lineups with Sue Bird and Jordin Canada, but more physical.

In the meantime, Ogunbowale is an early favorite for rookie of the year.

At pick 17, Dallas added Megan Gustafson, an extreme change-of-pace from current backup center, the highly underrated Theresa Plaisance. It gives Brian Agler more options, though Gustafson repeatedly asserted that she can shoot it out to three, and it just reminded me that she might have had a different draft night if she’d had the chance to show it more in college. (College coaches take note, make sure to showcase your future pros!) At pick 22, Dallas grabbed Kennedy Burke, a strong, athletic guard who needs a better three-point shot to stick in the league.

To learn more about Morgan Bertsch, Dallas’ pick at 29, read this excellent profile of her from David Yapkowitz.

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