Players Declare Early for WNBA Draft

If any of you actually dedicate any time to women's basketball you'd know that seeing collegiate players leave college early and declare for the WNBA draft is somewhat unheard of. Well for the past few years we seem to be developing a new trend. Players have declared early for the draft in hopes of jump starting their professional careers. Now as you all may know, the money is simply not the same as what NBA players make where it is quite common to see guys leave early and declare for the draft. In fact, the top 4 picks in the WNBA draft make a little over $50,000 and they sign non-negotiable, 3-year deals. Now for most, a college degree and the experience that in entails is way more valuable than choosing to skip out early. I think the WNBA understands that because the money isn't the same in the women's game and that is why in order to leave early you must reach the age of 22 during the calendar year of the draft. Most players also spend the off season playing in another country where there is opportunity to often make more money.

Notre Dame standout Jewell Loyd and Minnesota star, Amanda Zahui B. sparked the conversation by choosing to leave college early in 2015 and turn pro. Jewell has often been asked about her decision and she states that she has no regrets in her decision and that it was the right choice for her. Some notable standouts who had the opportunity to leave early and enter this year's draft but chose to stay are Diamond DeShields (Tennessee), Kelsey Mitchell (Ohio State) and Mercedes Russell (Tennessee). They would have all probably been 1st round picks if they had not chosen to play their final seasons. Kelsey Mitchell explained that she was not in a rush and her education is important to her. She wants to finish what she started and leave Ohio State saying she accomplished something more.

Personally, I think the value of education is unmatched especially because you never know when the ball can stop bouncing. But as everyone's situation is different I guess there really isnt a right or wrong answer, people just have to make the best decision for themselves and their family. Either way, I think its healthy to even have this a conversation for the women's game. It's good to have the WNBA talked about on a scale that can be related to the men's league. It will be interesting to see where this goes in the future.


-EBHoops