Draft Dreams: Jessica Breland

Welcome to the Tulsa Shock's 2011 WNBA Draft Preview. The Shock hold the second and seventh overall picks in the 2011 Draft that will be held on April 11th at the ESPN Offices in Bristol, Connecticut. Leading up to the draft, we will highlight the Top-13 prospects and see how each of them could fit in with the Shock's current roster.

INTANGIBLES:
North Carolina
Senior
Height: 6-3
Position: Forward

STATS:
2010-11 - 12.5 points/7.0 rebounds/1.7 blocks/1.2 steals/45.5 Percent FG/22.8 minutes/game

2011 All-ACC FirstTeam
Bob Bradley Spirit and Courage Award winner

HOW SHE FITS
Breland made a courageous return to basketball in 2010-11 after missing the 2009-10 season after her diagnosis to Hodgekins Lymphoma. Before her illness, Breland had unprecedented numbers in all statistical categories, amassing over 100 steals and 100 blocks in the 2008-09 season along with over eight rebounds a game.

Upon her return, Breland displayed a similar knack for the ball on the defensive end despite playing significantly fewer minutes.

With her length, wingspan and ability to get to the ball on the defensive end, Breland might be a natural fit for Coach Richardson's "40 Minutes of Hell." Her versatility and strong rebounding numbers from the small forward position will be an asset on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

RELATED LINKS
Official Player Page

Cancer Survivor Breland leads UNC to Sweet-16

Other Prospects

Xavier - Amber Harris

Australia - Elizabeth Cambage

Oklahoma - Danielle Robinson

Gonzaga - Courtney Vandersloot

Texas A&M - Danielle Adams

Connecticut - Maya Moore

Stanford - Jeanette Pohlen

Xavier - Ta'Shia Phillips

Stanford - Kayla Pedersen