Meet the Top 5 Picks of the 2024 WNBA Draft- From Caitlin Clark to Cameron Brink

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By Dory Larrabee Zayas

The 2024 WNBA Draft was one of women’s basketball’s biggest events. In New York City, elite college players made the transition to the pros. Let’s analyze the top 5 draft picks and their contributions to their new WNBA teams.

Indiana Fever—Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark 1st overall after her spectacular Iowa career. Clark was this draft class’s crown jewel for good reason.

She graduated as the all-time leading Division I basketball scorer for men and women with 3,466 points. Clark won multiple trophies, including the 2022 Naismith Player of the Year, and guided Iowa to two NCAA championships.

The 6’0″ guard can score from the rim, mid-range, and three-point line. Her deep range and high release make her hard to cover. A skilled playmaker, Clark averaged nearly 8 assists per game in college.

The Fever are adding a once-in-a-generation talent to last year’s 1st pick Aliyah Boston. If Clark’s scoring translates to the WNBA, Indiana might have a championship core for years.

Los Angeles Sparks Cameron Brink

The Los Angeles Sparks selected Stanford’s versatile 6’9″ forward Cameron Brink 2nd overall. Brink is a rare frontcourt player and three-time All-American.

She can shoot with either hand near the basket and has a reliable mid-range jumper.Brink has the ability to stretch the floor with three-pointers. Her timing make her a great defensive shot blocker.

In her senior year at Stanford, Brink averaged 15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks. The Spark gain a versatile player who can affect both side of the court.

Chicago Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso

Kamilla Cardoso of South Carolina was selected 3rd overall by the reigning WNBA champion Chicago Sky to strengthen their frontcourt.

When she led the Gamecocks to the national title as a sophomore, 6’7″ center Cardoso named the 2022 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. She anchored South Carolina’s tough defense as a top rim protector and rebounder.

Cardoso is a good interior finisher who can score off putbacks and dump-off passes. She runs hard, catches well, and finishes around the basket.

Cardoso will help the Sky repeat as WNBA champs with his defense and toughness.

Los Angeles Sparks Rickea Jackson

Rickea Jackson was the Spark’s fourth pick after Cameron Brink at 2nd. Tennessee’s Jackson was three-time All-American.

The 6’4″ versatile forward unique size, length, athleticism, and skill level make her a mismatch. Jackson can score from anywhere on the court.

In her final season with the Lady Vols, she averaged 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 37% three-point shooting. Jackson is a good passer who know the floor and hits the glass hard on both end.

The Spark have a strong young frontcourt with Jackson and Brink.

Dallas Wing’s Jacy Sheldon

To finish the top 5, the Dallas Wing selected Jacy Sheldon of Ohio State fifth overall. Sheldon was a first-team All-American in his senior year.

Scorer and complete offensive player, the 5’10” combo guard. Sheldon can jump to the three-point line. With her precise ball handling skill, she easily past defenders, and get into the paint.

In her senior season, Sheldon averaged 19.7 points and 4 assist. She fierce, competitive, and fearless in critical occasions.

Before becoming a go-to scorer and playmaker, Sheldon will provide scoring punch off the bench in Dallas.

This skilled 2024 WNBA draft class has a bright future. Leading star like Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and Jacy Sheldon are only beginning their successful professional careers.

This draft replenished WNBA roster with impact players ready to shine. As they strive to become WNBA legends, these newcomer will shape the league for years to come.

Basketball fans should be excited to witness how this fresh talent affect the WNBA in 2024 and beyond.

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