April 14, 2004
My mock draft will become a mockery if I keep changing my picks. But, I've changed them again -- and I can't promise I won't change them once more before the draft.
1. Phoenix Mercury: Diana
Taurasi (Connecticut)
Everyone knows Phoenix is taking Taurasi. Mostly because Phoenix has told everyone
they're taking Taurasi.
2. Washington Mystics: Alana
Beard (Duke)
Washington seems like they want to keep a strong hold on the #2 pick -- they
haven't been mentioned in any trade rumors. Beard could be the missing piece
to a playoff run in '04.
3. Charlotte Sting: Nicole
Powell (Stanford)
Charlotte holds the reins at the top of the draft because they're the only squad
in the top 3 that might trade the pick. They are looking for versatility and
Powell is the poster child for that. However, Charlotte could trade the #3 pick
if the price is right. And, if they trade the #3 -- it'd probably be for a team
that really wanted Whalen (i.e. Minnesota).
4. Connecticut Sun: Lindsay
Whalen (Minnesota)
Connecticut needs a point guard after trading Shannon "Pee Wee" Johnson.
Whalen fits the bill better than anyone at #4.
5. New York Liberty: Shemeka
Christon (Arkansas)
Everyone assumed New York would take a "Big" like Hayden or Rebekkah
Brunson with the #5 pick until Christon's performance in the All-America game
and pre-draft camp. She's got a pro body and her game resembles Sheryl Swoopes'
in so many ways it's eerie. (Check out Christon's running form -- and the way
she dribbles in the open court -- and Swoopes will come to mind.) She's a valuable
asset in the Eastern Conference because she can guard players like Swin Cash
and Tamika Catchings.
6. Seattle Storm: Vanessa
Hayden (Florida)
The Storm could use a big body next to Lauren Jackson in the post -- especially
if Kamila Vodichkova has injury trouble again. Hayden fits the bill. And, she's
a true 5 who could benefit from Ann Donovan's coaching.
7. Minnesota Lynx: Nicole
Ohlde (Kansas State)
The Lynx need to get more athletic in the post. Ohlde is a terrific athlete
who would fit well in Minnesota. Rebekkah Brunson would also fit the bill. Of
course, the Lynx covet Whalen but they'd have to trade up to the top 4 to have
a chance at her.
8. Phoenix Mercury: Rebekkah
Brunson (Georgetown)
Brunson played great in pre-draft camp and impressed all in attendance. She
has a pro body and an attack mentality that is appealing to anyone trying to
get more athletic inside (which is everyone).
9. Indiana Fever: Christi
Thomas (Georgia)
If Indiana plans to move Tamika Catchings to the perimeter this season, they
could use another big body in the post. Thomas showed a lot of toughness in
the All-America game when she matched up with Tina Thompson. She is the best
post remaining at #9 (based on this mock draft).
10. Sacramento Monarchs: Chandi
Jones (Houston)
Sacramento is looking for a scorer on the perimeter who can add pressure defensively
in the full court -- Swoopes like. Jones fits the bill and she's a player that
has a big upside. Right now she's a skinny, young - looking kid who will benefit
from an offseason in the weight room. If she falls to #10, I can't imagine Sacramento
passing on her.
11. Detroit Shock: Ebony
Hoffman (USC)
Detroit could use a sold back-up post for Ruth Riley and Cheryl Ford. Ebony
Hoffman is a big body (6-2/210) with decent three point range. She reminds some
people of Jennifer Gillom. Detroit might also take Iciss Tillis with this pick.
Either way, expect them to take a "Big" at #11.
12. Los Angeles Sparks: Iciss
Tillis (Duke)
DeLisha Milton expects to play this coming season after partially tearing her
ACL, but LA will need to take a post as an insurance pick. Tillis' body and
skills have been compared to Lisa Leslie. She needs to get stronger -- and meaner
-- to be a really good pro.
13. Detroit Shock: Toccara
Williams (Texas A&M)
Williams had a strong pre-draft camp and might have played herself into the
first round. Detroit has a solid guard rotation but could use a backup point
guard. Williams is quick, athletic, and solid defensively.
Also see: Lobo's
Prospect Tracker








