WNBA Draft - Imani Boyette

The WNBA draft is Thursday night at 6:00 PM on ESPN2 (shifting to ESPNU at 7:00 for the 2nd and 3rd rounds). Most mock drafts I've seen have Imani going between pick 5 (Dallas) and 10 (Chicago). Here's a pre-draft article on Imani:

http://www.hoopfeed.com/content/201...on-the-brink-of-adding-to-familys-pro-legacy/

 

I found Lobo's full statement on Imani that was cut down in the article above:

Lobo: “I think the adjustment she’s going to face is much different from the one I went through, simply because the game has changed so much in the course of the last 20 years. In the league as a 5 (center), you’re going to be battling against Brittney Griner, Tina Charles, Sylvia Fowles. Players with that size and skill weren’t on every team 20 years ago, but that is the case now. Within the course of a play defensively, you might end up on Candace Parker or Elena Delle Donne.

“But she’s definitely got size. She’s skilled. She can really move up and down the floor. I think that’s what some of the traits that are really appealing about her to GMs. I think the key for her is going to find a level of consistency on both ends of the floor, where every night she can come out and a coach knows exactly what she can give them.”

 

Some mocks:
Imani to Chicago at #10? Probably my favorite landing spot for her - would get to play with EDD and Vandersloot (both still young) which would allow her to play to her strengths (shot blocking and rebounding) while working to improve her offense.

To LA at #5 - not sure this one makes a lot of sense. She would be an upgrade over the current 6-7 post on their roster (2nd year player Hamson) but they have a stacked group of very good 4s that can play the 5 in a pinch: Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike, Chantell Lavendar. Plus I hate all LA-based teams.

To Dallas at #6 - Would get to play with probably the most dynamic guard duo in the WNBA (when healthy) in Skylar Diggins and Odyssey Sims. It would allow the Wings to play last year's second overall pick, Amanda Zahui B, as well as Courtney Paris at PF some. It would also give Imani the opportunity to play in the same area as her brother Javale and keep her closer to her husband.

To Indiana at #9 - Tamika Catchings announced she would retire after the 2016 Olympics so Indiana will probably have to do some rebuilding.

San Antonio would keep her in closest proximity to Paul but San Antonio has the second overall pick and traded away their second round pick so, barring another trade, not going to work out.

 

With the Spring football game Saturday wonder if Paul will be there with her.

 

The article states that the draft is actually Thursday! Is it a misprint or the correct time? Sorry, I just don't want to miss it.

 

You are correct, Thursday.

 

ESPNw's Michelle Voepel on Imani's draft prospects:

 

Wow - Imani got a feature in the New York Times:

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/04/1...nba.html?_r=1&referer=https://t.co/UhqK0ZQ5z0

 

Sitting here waiting patiently for Imani to be drafted

 

I really hope Chicago takes her next. Would be a great situation for her professionally, maybe not personally.

 

Woohoo! Imani to the Chicago Sky.

 

agree she would like to stay closer to Austin, but Chicago is a good place for her

 

yes, a good situation professionally for her. Got a chance to learn the ropes from an old pro in Erika de Souza with an opportunity to start in the near future. Also will be playing with one of my favorite players, Elena Delle Donne!

 

Chicago only had 2 picks this draft so what do they do? Take a Longhorn at 10 and an aggy at 34 (G Jordan Jones).

 

Congrats to Imani, would love seeing her play with EDD.

 

Congrats, Imani!!!!

 

Some quotes/blurbs from post draft coverage:

Chicago Tribune:
In a dream scenario even coach Pokey Chatman doubted would happen, 6-foot-7 Texas star Imani Boyette fell to the Sky in the WNBA draft Thursday night when they picked the true center they desperately were seeking with the 10th overall pick.

Chatman doesn't expect Boyette to take on too much right away, content to use her to spell veteran Erika de Souza as a 10-10-10 player: 10 minutes off the bench, 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Chatman: "I started getting a little antsy at seven (and) there was a little bit of angst with Indiana (at No. 9). I was thinking (Boyette) may go there. But I knew there was a chance (she would fall to us) and lo and behold the Lord smiled on me and (she) did.""

Excelle Sports:
"The Chicago Sky absolutely stole Imani Boyette at the tenth pick. Not only is Boyette a 6’7 monster who finished among the nation’s leaders in block percentage and rebound percentage, she’s a smart player with bloodlines whose ability to run and shoot fits perfectly within Pokey Chatman’s scheme. Imagine, if you will, a defense facing the Sky in transition, Courtney Vandersloot streaking down the court, Boyette drawing opposing fives away from the hoop, leaving open space for the reigning WNBA MVP, Elena Delle Donne, and both Allie Quigley and Cappie Pondexter room to shoot from the perimeter. There are no good choices for a defense at that point."

 

This is the best thing that could've happened for Imani and her long term WNBA future. Playing in that system with that team will work wonders for her confidence and growth.

 

Congratulations, Imani!

 

Here is a poem Imani wrote, posted on ESPN website...love seeing her get lots of attention, hope she does well and has a great WNBA season.
http://espn.go.com/espnw/voices/art...t-pick-imani-boyette-writes-letter-basketball

 

I read that poem also and really enjoyed it. Congratulations, Imani!!!!

 

I don't know if I'll get to many Dallas Wings games but will definitely be there May 29 when they take on the Sky.

 

This week keeps getting better for Imani, she just signed an endorsement deal with Adidas

 

A clip of Imani in action during practice.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">Defense, defense, defense <a href="https://t.co/trFQIjCMmI">pic.twitter.com/trFQIjCMmI</a></p>&mdash; CHICAGO SKY (@wnbachicagosky) <a href="">April 25, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

Imani looking good in blue (better in burnt orange):

 

Seems a bit exaggerated to me there, like they think she's a "stretch 5" of sorts.