Record-breaker Clark headlines talented WNBA Draft class

Caitlin Clark headlines a talented Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft class on Monday, as the Iowa guard and presumed first-round pick begins the next chapter of her career.

There aren't many surprises expected, with Clark almost certain to join an ailing Indiana Fever after breaking Pete Maravich's 54-year-old NCAA scoring record this season and becoming must-see TV in American households.

"I'm eager to see players around (Clark) who can consistently see what she sees and finish what she delivers to them," Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo told reporters this week.

"There will be challenges, but at the same time, the talent around her is also going to be better."

If everything goes as planned, Clark will join last year's unanimous Rookie of the Year, Aliyah Boston, in an effort to revive the Fever, who have not had a winning season since 2015.

The Los Angeles Sparks will have two picks in the top five, at two and four, with an embarrassment of riches to choose from at the Brooklyn event.

Stanford's Cameron Brink could bring extraordinary shot-blocking ability to a struggling Sparks team that finished 17-23 last season.

Another appealing option is six-foot seven-inch Brazilian centre Kamilla Cardoso, who averaged 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in her senior year at South Carolina.

The Chicago Sky and the Dallas Wings have the third and fifth picks, respectively.

Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley stated that developing young talent was one of her top priorities for the upcoming season.

"It's my job to be a good steward over these picks," she told reporters. "I anticipate that we're going to have a training camp that's going to be really competitive."

Other players to keep an eye out for on Monday night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music include Connecticut forward Aaliyah Edwards, LSU's charismatic leader Angel Reese, and Tennessee' Rickea Jackson.

SportsLigue