Portland Fire’s Draft Focus: NCAA Tournament Stars to Watch
As the inaugural season of the Portland Fire approaches (tipping off May 9th at Moda Center), all eyes are on the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Fire, Portland’s newest WNBA franchise, has a pivotal opportunity to shape its future in the upcoming WNBA Draft on April 13th. With either the sixth or seventh overall pick – determined by a coin flip with the Toronto Tempo – the Fire will be looking to add foundational talent.
Navigating the Draft Landscape
Beyond the first-round pick, the Fire holds selections in the second (Nos. 21 or 22) and third (Nos. 36 or 37) rounds, providing multiple avenues to build a competitive roster. However, the immediate focus is on identifying potential stars performing in the NCAA Tournament. A recent CBA agreement between the WNBA and the players’ union has been reached, but dates for the expansion draft and WNBA free agency are still to be determined.
UCLA Dominance: A Key Scouting Ground
Scouts are particularly focused on UCLA, which boasts a potential for four Top-10 selections this year. The Bruins’ success provides a concentrated pool of talent for the Fire to consider.
Players to Watch: Friday’s Action
- Olivia Miles, Guard, TCU: Averaging 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists, Miles faces No. 14 Charleston at 9 a.m. On ESPN. Projected draft range: 2-4.
- Flau’jae Johnson, Guard, LSU: Johnson will be in action against No. 15 Jacksonville at 3 p.m. On ESPN. She averages 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting 40.2% from three-point range. Projected draft range: 4-7.
Saturday’s Tournament Standouts
- Ta’Niya Latson, Guard, South Carolina: Latson averages 14.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds and will play at 10 a.m. On ABC. Projected draft range: 4-9.
- Lauren Betts, Center, UCLA: Averages 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.9 blocks. Betts and UCLA face California Baptist at 7 p.m. Projected draft range: 1-5.
- Gabriela Jaquez, Guard, UCLA: Averaging 13.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, shooting 41.1% from three. Plays against California Baptist at 7 p.m. Projected draft range: 7-12.
- Gianna Kneepkens, Guard, UCLA: Kneepkens averages 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, shooting 44.2% from three. Similarly plays against California Baptist at 7 p.m. Projected draft range: 7-12.
The Importance of the Expansion Draft
While the NCAA Tournament provides a glimpse into potential draftees, the upcoming expansion draft will be crucial for the Fire. The team will need to strategically select players from existing WNBA franchises to build a competitive foundation before the draft even begins.
FAQ
- When does the Portland Fire’s inaugural season start? May 9th at Moda Center.
- What draft pick does the Portland Fire have? Either the sixth or seventh overall pick, determined by a coin flip.
- Where can I find more information about the Portland Fire? Visit the official team website at fire.wnba.com.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on UCLA’s tournament run – they represent a significant potential source of talent for the Portland Fire.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Portland Fire’s draft strategy and roster development. Don’t miss a moment of the action as the Fire prepares to ignite the Portland basketball scene!
