WNBA Draft 2016 Countdown (19 Days): Margo Dydek, No. 1 Pick, 1998
In the 20 days leading up to the 20th annual WNBA Draft, WNBA.com and @WNBA are highlighting the first 19 No. 1 overall picks and their place in league history. Our 20-day countdown continues with Margo Dydek, the first selection in the 1998 WNBA Draft.
With the first pick in the second annual WNBA Draft, the Utah Starzz selected Polish center Margo Dydek.
Standing 7-foot-2, Dydek was a defensive force throughout her decade-long WNBA career that saw her play in Utah, San Antonio, Connecticut and Los Angeles. Dydek was a two-time All-Star (2003, 2006) and led the league in blocks eight times.
She remains the league’s all-time leader in blocked shots (877) and is second all-time to Brittney Griner in blocks per game (2.7). She also ranks 13th all-time in rebounds, collecting 2,143 during her career.
Sadly, Dydek passed away in 2011 at the age of 37 after suffering a heart attack in Brisbane, Australia, where she was working as a coach for the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League. She is remembered not only for her stature on the court, but her warmth and personality off the court.
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