It has been a record campaign for the Australian basketball board as many Australian players have made it into the WNBA draft this year.
Nyadiew Puoch, a promising forward, was picked up by the Atlanta Dream directly from the WNBL, securing the spots at pick 12. Puoch and Isobel Borlase are among the youngest players in the WNBA, but they bring valuable experience from their two season-stints in the WNBL.
Nyadiew Puoch, the 19-year-old, recently celebrated a championship win with the Southside Flyers alongside basketball legend Lauren Jackson. On the other hand, Borlase showcased her skills while playing for Adelaide despite their challenging season.
Rachael Sporn, a former Opal and WNBA player, recently spoke about the significance of having three Australians drafted, given the high level of dominance from the US college system, saying it was “great to see our representation.”
She highlighted the positive impact on Australian basketball, stating, “It’s wonderful for Australian basketball for the light to shine on us.”
Moreover, Basketball Australia is capitalizing on the growing interest in women’s basketball. They recently announced their search for equity partners in the WNBL, aiming to boost the sport’s visibility further and support its development. Meanwhile, the megastars of US collegiate basketball dominated the first few rounds of draft picks this year as well.
Caitlin Clark was picked first in the WNBA draft before Australia’s Nyadiew Puoch
Isobel Borlase was picked as the 20th overall selection, falling into the second round, which came after Puoch’s selection at the 8th spot and after Caitlin Clark, known as a college superstar, who was chosen as the top pick by the Indiana Fever.
The decision for the Fever to pick Clark was expected, especially since she had announced her plans to go pro in February. The anticipation was apparent, with nearly 17,000 tickets claimed to witness the draft at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, which is home to the Fever and the NBA’s Indiana Pacers.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was in second grade. It’s been a journey of hard work, highs, and lows. But above all, I’m just trying to take it all in,” shared Clark, recounting the story how she had scribbled led her WNBA dreams back when she was just in second grade at school.
Let us know in the comment section below what you think of Nyadiew Puoch, Caitlin Clark and other youngsters who are about to start their journey in the WNBA.
