MORGANTOWN, W. Va. — When and where aren’t Tynice Martin’s biggest concerns with the WNBA Draft on Friday.
“I just want to hear my name called,” the former West Virginia women’s standout guard said. “That’s what every player wants. You put in so much work over your life and then to hear your name called along with so many other great players, that’s what you do it all for.”
While the WNBA has already postponed the start of its 2020 regular season — it was scheduled to begin May 15 — the league will conduct a virtual player draft beginning at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
The start of the season was postponed, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The draft consists of three rounds with 12 picks in each round.
Martin, who finished her WVU career with 1,980 points and was named the MVP of the 2017 Big 12 tournament, is projected to be taken early in the second round, according to most mock drafts.
“I really don’t know what to expect,” she said. “I haven’t paid much attention to projections. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity and hopefully some of the season can still be played. You hear so many things.”
Oregon star guard Sabrina Ionescu is widely considered to be the No. 1 overall pick.
At some point, Martin’s name will follow and she’ll become the fourth WVU women’s player over the past five years to be drafted by a WNBA team.
Bria Holmes (2016), Lanay Montgomery (2017) and Teana Muldrow (2018) preceded Martin.
Under head coach Mike Carey, WVU has had seven players drafted since 2004.
“When I was a freshman, Bria was a senior and I remember watching her and learning from her,” Martin said. “I wanted to be just like her. Obviously coach Carey has done a great job of building the program and he’s brought in good talent.”
PAST WVU PICKS
2004: Kate Bulger, third round (38th overall), Minnesota.
2005: Yolanda Paige, second round (16th overall), Indiana
2008: Olayinka Sanni, second round (18th overall), Detroit
2014: Asya Bussie, second round (15th overall), Minnesota
2016: Bria Holmes, first round (11th overall), Atlanta
2017: Lanay Montgomery, third round (30th overall), Seattle.
2018: Teana Muldrow, third round (29th overall), Seattle.
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