The Golden State Valkyries have three picks in the upcoming WNBA draft, which is set for Monday, April 13. The Valkyries became the first expansion team in WNBA history to clinch a playoff spot in their debut last season.
With three picks in hand and with a seemingly solid pool of talent, Golden State will be in for key decisions on Monday. They have the No. 8, No. 23 and No. 38 picks in the upcoming draft.
The Valkyries will have the chance to pick one of the six graduating players from the NCAA Champions, the UCLA Bruins.
The Valkyries already have a winning culture in place after clinching a playoff spot in their debut and will look to take things a step forward. Let’s look at three UCLA players the team could pick in the WNBA draft.
3 UCLA players the Golden State Valkyries could pick in the WNBA draft
1) Gabriela Jaquez
USA Today describes Jaquez as an ideal fit for the Valkyries, citing her endless motor and versatile skillset. She was a key contributor in the Bruins’ title run, averaging 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Jaquez recorded a game-high 21 points along with 10 rebounds and five assists in the championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks.
2) Gianna Kneepkens
CBS Sports, ESPN and Sports Illustrated project that the Valkyries will select Gianna Kneepkens with the No. 8 pick. She is an accomplished 3-point shooter, recording 43.1% from deep in college.
Last season, Kneepkens averaged 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Bruins, shooting 49.3%, including 42.9% from 3-point range.
3) Kiki Rice
While she is unlikely to fall to the No. 8 pick, Kiki Rice has also been floated as a potential pick for the Valkyries. Another Bruins guard, Rice, averaged 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game last season. She is also an accomplished 3-point shooter, averaging 38.5% last season and 49.0% for her career.
All three players seemingly fit the Valkyries’ needs and proved that they can drive winning following their title run with the Bruins.
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