Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
The 2006 WNBA draft Wednesday had a regional flavor to it, but it wasn't planned.
After the Minnesota Lynx took LSU's Seimone Augustus with the first pick, Phoenix selected Rutgers star Cappie Pondexter No.2. After that, teams didn't have to look far to find what they were looking for.
Charlotte took Duke's Monique Currie with the third overall pick, San Antonio then selected Sophia Young of Baylor and Los Angeles followed with UCLA's Lisa Willis at No.5
"We based our decision solely on making our team better," said Sting general manager Trudi Lacey, who added that Currie being a Blue Devil was just a bonus. "We needed some perimeter scoring, and with Monique's multiple skill sets on the perimeter, her ability to rebound the ball and get to the free throw line, she would be able to help us."
Silver Stars coach Dan Hughes said there was no plan it just worked out that way. "Those three picks are good for the kids, good for the franchises and good for the league," Hughes said. "When it played out that way, I thought, 'Well, that's good.' It brings some recognition to the community and the players."
The biggest surprise of the draft was Georgia guard Sherill Baker dropping to 12th and being available for New York, which hosts the All-Star Game on July12.
"We were shocked," Liberty coach Patty Coyle said. "We had her going much higher. But when you looked past the first four picks in the draft, it was really about need. I guess no one needed Sherill Baker, but we do."
*Complete draft, 13C
To see more of USAToday.com, or to subscribe, go to http://www.usatoday.com
© Copyright 2006 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
