The Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx agreed to a WNBA Draft trade on Sunday. The deal gave the Sky the Lynx's No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Chicago now has back-to-back first-round selections, as they hold the No. 10 and No. 11 picks in the draft. If TCU women's basketball guard Hailey Van Lith is still available, the Sky should consider selecting her with one of the picks.
Hailey Van Lith's potential fit with Sky
Chicago displayed signs of potential in 2024 as Angel Reese led the way. Although the Sky failed to reach the postseason, they could bounce back in 2025 and make a playoff run.
There are two players on the Sky who will significantly impact both winning and Van Lith if Chicago selects her.
Van Lith and Reese both played at LSU during the 2023-24 season. It was a down year for Van Lith, but playing alongside Reese once again could help the TCU guard feel especially comfortable at the WNBA level. Making the transition from college to the professional level can be a challenge, but playing alongside a star who she already knows could help matters.
Additionally, the Sky added Courtney Vandersloot this offseason. Vandersloot, 36, is a five-time All-Star who has played in the league since 2011. She played in Chicago with the Sky from 2011-2022 before spending the past two seasons in New York with the Liberty. With Vandersloot back in Chicago, she would be able to help Van Lith's progression as a guard in the WNBA.
Vandersloot has always featured respectable scoring numbers, but her ability to get teammates involved is what stands out. For her career, she has averaged 6.6 assists per contest. Van Lith has continued to improve as a play-maker, but she can certainly still take steps forward.
Will Hailey Van Lith still be available at No. 10 or No. 11 overall?
There are no guarantees that Van Lith will even be available once the Sky are on the clock. Her strong season at TCU could make her an option for teams drafting in the first-round. In fact, rumors have swirled that the Golden State Valkyries, who have the No. 5 pick, could select her, but that seems rather unlikely.
It remains to be seen if Van Lith will be available at No. 10 or No. 11 overall in the WNBA Draft. If she is available, the Sky should strongly consider selecting her in the draft.