WNBA Draft 2017 presented by State Farm
April 13, 2017

KELSEY PLUM, SAN ANTONIO STARS (Round 1, Pick 1)

Q: What was going through your mind when you heard your name called?
PLUM: My sister was next to me. I just kind of touched her and took a deep breath. It’s an unreal feeling. I’ve been dreaming about it for so long. I’m just very grateful.

Q: How do you feel about going to San Antonio?
PLUM: I’m really excited. Coach Vickie [Johnson] has a great plan from what I hear. I’ve played with Moriah [Jefferson] before. She’s a phenomenal player. I’m a big fan of Kayla McBride. I’ve watched throughout her entire collegiate career and in the pros. I’m just grateful for the opportunity. I’m going to make the most of it.

Q: Has this night been everything you dreamt it to be?
PLUM: It has. I think it will continue to sink in as the night goes on. I think it really sunk in when I was holding the San Antonio jersey and hugging Lisa [Borders]. It is pretty special.

Q: What has the journey been like from the Pac-12?
PLUM: It’s been a head spin. The last couple of weeks have been kind of crazy because of all the travel I’ve been doing. It’s a great problem to have. I’m extremely grateful. The Pac-12 has been so good to me. So, thank you, Pac- 12. The University of Washington has prepared me for this moment. I’m excited.

Q: What part of your game have you been working on to prepare for the WNBA?
PLUM: My physicality. I’ve been in the weight room lately working on my strength. Defensively, I know that’s something that’s going to be tested of me early. I’m going to go in with the mindset to be ready to compete.

Q: Looking at your game, do you feel you can play off the ball?
PLUM: I feel like I can play on the ball and off the ball. I can do whatever Coach Vickie needs to me to do. That’s my mentality going into this situation. I’m excited. It’s going to be a little out of my comfort zone, but I think that’s where you grow the most.

ALAINA COATES, CHICAGO SKY (Round 1, Pick 2)

Q: With everything you’ve been through, what are your emotions tonight?
Coates: I’m just really excited. I think I’m still coming off the national championship high. I didn’t get to do anything except watch a TV screen, but I was still part of the team. I’m really excited about that and happy that happened. For me to go number two especially with my situation, I’m really excited about that as well.

Q: What does it mean to go to Chicago?
Coates: It means a lot. I feel like they saw the potential in me and liked the résumé that I built throughout my career at South Carolina. It really spoke for itself for them to still pick me as a No. 2.

Q: Are you worried about the physicality at the WNBA level?
Coates: I actually welcome it. As a big person, I don’t know if it’s because I always went against my dad in the driveway, but I actually enjoy the physicality. It means something to me that if you’re playing in the post, you can still get your shot off and if you’re playing in the post and you prevent your person from scoring. It’s something I’m looking forward to. I know I’m probably going to get beat up as a rookie, but I’m looking forward to it.

Q: What does it mean to you that the Sky picked you?
Coates: It means a lot. It’s just a lot of motivation for me when I do come back. [I want to] come out and show them the reasons why they still picked me despite my situation.

Q: How will you prepare differently for the WNBA?
Coates: I’m definitely going to have to start with my mental psyche. It’s completely different from college. I just know that whenever I hit my walls of being tired, I’m going to have to get over that wall. [I have to] continue to push myself. They [Chicago Sky] saw potential in me and picked me even though I can’t immediately make an impact. I’m just going to keep that mindset of they picked me for a reason and show them their decision was justified.

ALLISHA GRAY, DALLAS WINGS (Round 1, Pick 4)

Q: What does it mean to be the fourth pick in the WNBA Draft?
GRAY: It was great. I was predicting around the first round, but I was unsure. I’m glad the Dallas Wings have confidence in me and chose me. I’m excited to join the organization.

Q: Does it make you not regret the decision that you came out early?
GRAY: Yes. I’m glad I made the choice. Timing was everything. I’m glad I came out this year.

Q: How have you been preparing for the WNBA?
GRAY: Improving my ball handling. From a mental aspect, I’m been working on my decision making because in the WNBA, you’re playing against a lot of experienced players. So, it’s definitely decision making for me.

Q: What has the past month been like for you?
GRAY: It’s definitely been hectic. Winning a national championship and deciding if I wanted declare for the WNBA Draft or not – I’m glad I chose to come to the draft. I’m glad I made the decisions that I made.

Q: What has Coach Staley told you about the WNBA?
GRAY: It’s definitely a different ball game. A different level. You have to be ready to go in and be ready to work hard.

Q: How do you feel about Dallas?
GRAY: I’m very excited. I won a national championship in Dallas so there’s great memories there. I’m glad to be back.

NIA COFFEY, SAN ANTONIO (Round 1, Pick 5)

Q: What do you think you and Kelsey Plum can bring to San Antonio?
COFFEY: Clearly, Kelsey can score so that’s awesome. I feel like I can play both inside and outside. Whatever coach needs me to do, I can do. I’m excited to get there.

Q: What was going through your mind while you were waiting for your name to get called?
COFFEY: I was getting really nervous so I had my best friend talking about my puppy at home… When it happened, I was overcome with so much happiness and excitement. It was truly exciting.

Q: Did you envision this moment when you were young?
COFFEY: Not at all. It actually became my dream after my Freshman year in college. I started to see my ability and what I was capable of doing. I wanted to do that on a professional level. So, it kind of just happened this way. I couldn’t even dream of this moment because I didn’t even know what it would be like.

Q: How did your four years at Northwestern prepare you?
COFFEY: I was put in a very interesting role. I have the ability to do everything. So, I had a taste of being on the wing, being on the block, guarding wings, guarding post players – I was able to feel every position out because I had the freedom to do so.

Q: What responsibility does this draft class have to grow the game?
COFFEY: We have to show young girls and people the excitement and potential of this league. It’s such an amazing thing and we want everyone to know that. For all the young girls out there, it is possible. There is a professional place for you to play. Just keep working and you can get here.

SHATORI WALKER-KIMBROUGH, WASHINGTON MYSTICS (Round 1, Pick 6)

Q: What are your goals for your future in the WNBA?
WALKER-KIMBROUGH: To just help my team in any way, shape or form. I want to go in there, ask Coach Thibault what they need me to do and go out there and do it.

Q: Talk about this first round and how strong it’s been.
WALKER-KIMBROUGH: Our class offers really great players. I know everyone in this class has been dreaming of this moment. Being here to witnessing not only my fellow teammate Brionna Jones but all the girls in this class, we’re all achieving our goals.

Q: How does it feel to be able to stay in the Maryland area?
WALKER-KIMBROUGH: Maryland fans are the greatest fans in the country. They support you through thick and thin. I’m so excited to be just down the street from them. Coach B [Brenda Frese] has helped me prepare for this moment not only as a person but as a leader. Our player development coaches have helped me get to this moment. I just put my head down and worked ever since I stepped on campus. It’s good to see my hard work finally pay off.

Q: Are you excited to play to with Mystics?
WALKER-KIMBROUGH: Absolutely. Not only to get to play against those veterans in a game, but I get to play against them in practice. I know they’re going to help me be the best Shatori I can be. Along with Coach Thibault, I feel like he’s a phenomenal coach. He used to come to our practices. I remember seeing him as a Freshman not knowing who he is. Now calling him coach, it seems surreal.

Q: How are preparing for the WNBA?
WALKER-KIMBROUGH: Getting stronger. Put some pounds on to be able to take that bump offensively, but also be able to give that bump defensively as well.

Brionna Jones, Connecticut Sun (Round 1, Pick 8)

Q: What are you looking forward to?
Jones: I’m looking forward to change my luck in Connecticut, just excited to play with them. Play with Alyssa Thomas again. I met Chiney [Ogwumike] when I was here. I’m really excited to play and run with her.

Q: What does it mean for you and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough to share this moment and the program as a whole?
Jones: Playing for Coach [Brenda] Friese. She’s a great coach, she makes her players better. And I think that shows how much Shatori and me improved during our freshman year. I’m really happy for Shatori and can’t wait to see what life turns out for her.

Q: On the depth of this year’s draft:
Jones: There is so much talent here. We have three national championship winners and also have All-Americans. It’s amazing, the talent that was here. I know going into whatever team they go to everyone’s going to play hard and going to be amazing.

Q: Looking forward to the whistle being more lenient in the WNBA?
Jones: Definitely. I enjoy physical play. Being able to play physically and not get ticky-tack fouls will be a sigh of relief.

KAELA DAVIS, DALLAS WINGS (Round 1, Pick 10)

Q: Being a pro runs in the family, what does it mean to you to be a pro now?
DAVIS: It means everything. To have a legacy going on, it means a lot to me to carry the Davis name and extend it a little bit.

Q: Were you nervous?
DAVIS: Yes. Obviously, it was a big decision to leave South Carolina. I think it’s nerves with everything because it’s an unknown situation. You don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s a little nerve-wracking, but I’m excited.

Q: How big of a night was this for South Carolina?
DAVIS: We are so excited to be able to represent the University of South Carolina. For us, it’s definitely about representing South Carolina, but we want to grow the game. We got to experience the first national championship at South Carolina. We expanded the game a little bit and that’s what we’re going to focus on doing.

Q: How does it feel to have three first round picks for South Carolina?
DAVIS: It’s amazing. I don’t know many people that get to have this opportunity and share it with their teammates. For us, it means a lot. It means a lot to Coach Staley. We just hope that we can not only represent South Carolina well, but also women’s basketball as a whole.

Q: How has Coach Staley prepared for the WNBA?
DAVIS: Her big thing is always playing at the next level. That’s something she’s always been preparing myself and teammates since we got to South Carolina. She always starts thing off if you want to get here, you need to do A, B and C. Luckily, we had someone who has been here and was successful here. She’s tried to instill that in us as much as possible. I’m super thankful to have been under her for the two years I was.

SYDNEY WIESE, LOS ANGELES SPARKS (Round 1, Pick 11)

Q: From All-State in Phoenix, to the Final Four, to a record-setting career at Oregon State and now down to Los Angeles to play with the defending champions. What has this meant you?

WIESE: It has been such a blessing. I’ve been surrounded by incredible people, starting back home in Arizona. My family has been my rock for me. They really set the foundation of what it means to work hard and go after your dreams. Then, there I am at Oregon State. Once again, surrounded by an incredible support system. The fan support was unreal. Coach [Scott] Rueck has been like a father to me. Then my teammates become like sisters. It’s like one big family up there. Then, I get sent off into the adult team world down here. It feels good to be stuck on the West Coast again and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.

Q: What do you expect the transition will be like to the WNBA?
WIESE: It’s competitive. This is the best women’s basketball league in the world, so there is no free lunch here. You’re going to have to earn a spot, and it’s a business now. It’s going to be super competitive, very talented players all across the board. I’m so excited to improve as an individual and see what I can bring to a new team in the LA Sparks.

ALEXIS JONES, MINNESOTA LYNX (Round 1, Pick 12)

Q: What’s iot like to learn under some veteran guards like Minnesota has?
JONES: It’s going to be a great experience for me. They have some great players – Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus. I’m just really excited to be playing with them. I’ve been playing with them my whole entire life and to finally be on the court playing with them is going to be really, really exciting.

Q: What are some skillsets you can bring to the team and what are some of the things you want to work on?
JONES: I’m going to work on my defensive side and just keep doing what I’ve been doing in the gym, working on my shot, working on my picks and rolls, and working on my quickness ability and just trying to be that player for the Minnesota Lynx. Wherever they need me on the court, I’m going to help out. Hopefully we can win another championship with them.

Q: Is that exciting? That you’re going to a championship organization?
JONES: They have a lot of veteran players. I’m just blessed to play with those players who win championships and have been winning a lot of championships in the WNBA.

Erica McCall, Stanford (Round 2, Pick 5)
Q: Talk about this journey. You went from Bakersfield to Stanford and now Indiana. What’s this journey meant to you?
McCall: It’s been a journey full of ups and downs. It’s been amazing to see God grace us with a lot of amazing things. And now he’s gracing me with being on the Indiana Fever, so I’m super excited and blessed and I’m just excited for the next journey.

Q: On playing at Stanford and what it means to come from such a storied and successful franchise:
McCall: It’s been amazing. There were unbelievable experiences that I had at Stanford. Being able to play with a coach that has 1,000 wins is pretty darn cool. There are so many things I’ll take with me on and off the court as well as my teammates such as Chiney [Ogwumike] and Nneka [Ogwumike]. They gave me a lot of tips I can take to the WNBA so I’m excited.

Q: What part of your game will translate to the next level?
McCall: I think my rebounding and my ability to knock down that 15-foot shot. They’ll just attack the basket. I think that’s the best ability that I have. I’m pretty consistent with those, so I think if I do that well it will be cool.