Diggins-Smith, EDD Reflect On WNBA Journey


The hype surrounding the 2013 WNBA Draft was arguably unparalleled in the league’s history. The top players in the draft – Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne, and Skylar Diggins-Smith – had been college basketball superstars and the media dubbed them the “3 To See”.

On Draft Night, they posed together for photos at the ESPN studios in Bristol, CT, each throwing up the number three. Off the court, they reached pop culture appeal.

Four years later, the Big 3’s popularity has never been greater. Combined, they have about 2.5 million followers on Instagram and Twitter. They are all involved with numerous charities and have raised awareness for issues such as the challenges facing the LGBTQ community and families impacted by autism.

On the court, Griner, Delle Donne and Diggins-Smith have been just as impressive. Each has been named to at least one All-Star team, Griner won a championship in her second season, and Delle Donne won the MVP award two seasons ago.

Tuesday night, two of the Big 3 – Dallas’ Diggins-Smith and Washington’s Delle Donne – will face off for the first time this season as the Wings host the Mystics. The day before the game, both stars reflected on their 4 years in the league.

“Obviously, there was a lot of excitement coming out of that draft,” Diggins-Smith told WNBA.com. “You know, Brittney winning a championship right away and Elena winning an MVP, but I think really it’s more about off-the-court impact.

“I see the way they impact the fans and the positive that each one of us stands for. Everybody has their different charitable things. [We’re] just trying to continue to grow the game. Obviously, it’s going to draw a lot of attention when you come in with a certain amount of hype, but I see the WNBA growing.”

The Wings’ point guard is a veteran leader on a 3-4 team with five rookies and two other players in their second year in the league.

“I can only speak for myself, but I want the league to be something that sustains for years and years,” Diggins-Smith told WNBA.com. “Whether you want that attention or not, it’s there, and you know you’re being watched. I’ve been trying to do a good job and I think from watching those two, they’ve done a great job handling it all. It’s something that comes with the territory. I think we all have a responsibility, whether we like it or not, to continue to sustain the league and do the best we can in that aspect.”

Delle Donne, whose Mystics are 5-2 and carry a four-game win streak into Tuesday night’s game, echoed Diggins-Smith in having a desire to grow the league, but also acknowledged that the league is bigger than three players.

“I think all 3 of us would say in no way are we the only reason the league has grown and been so successful,” Delle Donne said. “There are so many incredible players in this league and so much diversity on every team and I feel like every year, we’ve got new rookies coming in and impacting this game and making our game even better.

“I feel like the fan base is continuing to grow and we’re getting a lot more [national] TV games. It’s really exciting because the league is relevant. It takes the entire league and all of the amazing players – not just three. I think Skylar and Brittney would also agree with that.”