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A Draft Like No Other

© Colleen Bittner

The 1999 WNBA Draft could easily be called the most unusual draft in basketball history. Many predictions were made, but few were actually correct. Top players such as Venus Lacey, Niesa Johnson, and Valerie Still were not drafted. Unexpected players like Delisha Milton were. Because of the extinction of the American Basketball League, all former players becoming eligible for the draft, the WNBA and the players union set a limit of three ABL players per team, four to the expansion teams.

Each team fared pretty well, with Washington, Los Angeles, and the Monarchs seeming to come out on top. There was so much talent entered in this years draft, that it would have been hard for any team not to have bettered itself with players like Jennifer Azzi, Natalie Williams, and Yolanda Griffith up for grabs. Thirty-five players came from the ABL, three were from foreign countries, and twelve were from the college ranks.

Washington Mystics: Chamique Holdsclaw, Shalonda Enis, Andrea Nagy, and Jennifer Whittle.

It was a given that Chamique Holdsclaw would go to Washington. It is the perfect opportunity for both her and the Mystics. "I'm in a great position, three hours up the road." Holdsclaw told reporters. "I'll get to see my family a lot." She is a talented player, although we shouldn't expect too much from her until she gets used to playing at a professional level. Shalonda Enis will be a strong force at the 3 or 4 spot. She can shoot from the outside, or bang on the inside. Washington will have a strong starting lineup this season.

Sacramento Monarchs: Yolanda Griffith, Kedra Holland-Corn, Kate Starbird, and Amy Herrig.

Yolanda Griffith is going to be a strong addition to the Monarchs; she will help this team in many ways. She has lots of international experience, which is just what Sacramento needed. Kate Starbird's game has improved, and she will provide the outside shooting this team needs, and she is excited about playing for the WNBA. "I will love to have the opportunity to play at a very high level of competition in front of a national television audience. The WNBA will offer us a chance to reach many new fans."

Los Angeles Sparks: Delisha Milton, Clarisse Machanguana, Ukari Figgs, and Lakisha Frett.

I was surprised when the Sparks drafted Milton as their first round draft pick. This move was totally unexpected; nobody could have predicted that one. Milton is a strong player, and will add some depth to this team, which is exactly what the Sparks needed. Clarisse Machanguana is a solid player, and like Delisha, adds yet more depth.

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