WNBA Draft Recap: Maryland's Shakira Austin Goes 7th, but Sellers Makes Surprise Appearance at 17th to Golden State

The 2022 WNBA draft has come and gone, and it was an exciting night for women's basketball fans. The top prospects were selected, and some surprises were thrown into the mix. One of the most notable surprises was the selection of Maryland's Ashley Owusu's teammate, Alaysia "Ali" Sellers by the Golden State Warriors with the 17th overall pick.

The draft kicked off with the Washington Mystics selecting Shakira Austin from Ole Miss with the 7th overall pick. Austin, a dominant center, is expected to bring a strong presence to the Mystics' frontcourt. However, it was Sellers who stole the show with her unexpected selection. The 5'11" guard from Maryland averaged 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in her senior season, showcasing her versatility and potential.

A Sleeper Pick for the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have a reputation for finding hidden gems, and Sellers may be their latest discovery. With the 17th overall pick, they selected the Maryland guard, who was not expected to be drafted in the first two rounds by many experts. Sellers' selection is a testament to the Warriors' scouting team, who saw something in her that others did not.

Sellers' game is characterized by her athleticism, defensive prowess, and ability to score from both inside and outside the paint. She has a strong work ethic and is known for her clutch performances in big games. While she may not have been the most highly touted prospect, Sellers has the potential to develop into a solid contributor for the Warriors.

What This Means for the Golden State Warriors

The addition of Sellers to the Golden State Warriors roster brings a new dynamic to the team. With a strong core of players already in place, Sellers will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the league. Her defensive skills will be an asset to the team, and her scoring ability will provide an additional threat on offense.

The Warriors' selection of Sellers also highlights the team's commitment to building a strong and deep roster. By taking a chance on a player who was not expected to be drafted, they are showing that they are willing to think outside the box and take risks to find talented players. This approach has paid off for the Warriors in the past, and it will be interesting to see how Sellers develops in the coming seasons.

The 2022 WNBA draft was full of surprises, and the selection of Alaysia "Ali" Sellers by the Golden State Warriors was one of the most notable. While she may not have been the most highly touted prospect, Sellers has the potential to develop into a solid contributor for the Warriors. With her athleticism, defensive prowess, and scoring ability, she will be an exciting player to watch in the coming seasons. As the WNBA season approaches, fans will be eager to see how Sellers and the rest of the rookies perform on the court.

The WNBA draft is always an exciting time for women's basketball fans, and this year's draft did not disappoint. With a new crop of talented players entering the league, the future of women's basketball is looking bright. Be sure to tune in to the upcoming WNBA season to see Sellers and the rest of the rookies in action.

Follow us for more updates on the WNBA and women's basketball.