By ROBERT CESSNADanielle Gant became Texas A&M's highest selection in the history of WNBA draft, but four-year teammate Takia Starks was not among the 39 players chosen by the league to restock its 13 teams Thursday.
The 5-foot-11 Gant, who played guard and forward at A&M, was picked in the second round by the Chicago Sky, who also took Maryland point guard Kristi Toliver with their top pick (third overall). The Sky took Gant 16th overall.
"I am very excited to play at the next level," said Gant, who watched the draft from her hometown of Oklahoma City at a party with family and friends. "It is definitely a dream come true for me, and to be able to share it with my family today has been very special. I've been training at the gym with my brother every day and working on my outside shot. I am excited about going to Chicago. I know in the WNBA I'll be up against bigger, stronger and more athletic players, but I am ready for the challenge."
Chicago Sky head coach Steven Key, who also is the club's general manager, envisions Toliver taking over at the point, which will allow veteran Dominique Canty to move to shooting guard.
Sky assistant coach Stephanie White liked Gant's defensive ability and aggressiveness on offense, convincing her boss to select Gant.
"[White] has scouted the Big 12 over the past few season, and we feel [Gant] is a great defensive player who has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket," Key said. "Danielle will come in and raise the competitive level and intensity in our group and push other's around her to work harder. Gant's worked extremely hard to reach her achievements. She's the kind of player we want on our team."
Chicago was 12-22 last season, finishing fifth in the seven-team Eastern Conference.
"Danielle will do very well in Chicago," A&M head coach Gary Blair said. "Once she gets on the court, they will see what we saw in her here in Aggieland. She plays a lot larger than her 5-foot-11 frame and will have a successful pro career. She will most likely play strictly at the three spot in the WNBA. I am so happy for her. When I was at the Final Four, a lot of coaches were talking about her and recognized how good she was. She played like a first-rounder all year for us, and we could not be prouder."
A&M was hopeful to get two players drafted for the second straight season, but the WNBA passed on the 5-8 Starks, who had been listed on several team's Web sites as a possible selection.
"This year's draft was about point guards and size at every position whether you were a 3, 4 or 5 player," Blair said. "It is going to be hard to make a team unless you are definitely a first-round pick. There are fewer spots open now with the league rosters going from 13 to 11 players.
"It was extremely disappointing to see players drafted in the second round over T-Kay, particularly players she handled well in head-to-head situations this season. But remember, it's like going from high school to college or from college to the pros -- the best high school players do not always become the best college players. Same thing goes for college players to the pros. She will have a chance to show people what she can do in training camps. She can play both the 2 and 1. People have to fill their needs. This kid can shot and score, and she would be on my WNBA team if I were choosing."
Atlanta took Louisville forward Angel McCoughtry with the first pick and Washington took Maryland forward Marissa Coleman next.
Oklahoma center Courtney Paris went to Sacramento with the seventh pick. Her twin, Ashley, was taken by Los Angeles in the second round. Kansas State guard Shalee Lehning was taken by Atlanta in the second round. Baylor guard Jessica Morrow went to Atlanta in the third round.
Gant and Starks received honorable mention on the Associated Press' women's basketball All-America team last week after the ninth-ranked Aggies finished 27-8, reaching the Sweet 16 for the second straight season. Gant and Starks were part of a senior class that was a school-best 104-32 record. They made a school-record four straight NCAA Tournaments and made A&M's first Elite Eight appearance in 2008.
Gant, the Big 12's Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game as a senior, while Starks scored 15.8 points and grabbed 4.3 rebounds.
A&M's Morenike Atunrase was drafted No. 24 by Atlanta last year and traded to San Antonio, while A'Quonesia Franklin was picked 38th by Sacramento.
The only other Aggies drafted by the WNBA were Jaynetta Saunders in the second round in 2001 by Cleveland at No. 27 and Toccara Williams in the third round in 2004 by San Antonio by No. 34.
WNBA DRAFT
A&M connection: Danielle Gant taken in the second round, No. 16 by Chicago Sky.
No. 1 overall: Angel McCoughtry, Louisville forward
Next: The WNBA's 13th season will start June 6
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Posted by: Aggie in Austin On: 4/11/2009
Comment Title: Aggie in Austin
I think Takia is a GREAT player! If a pro team will just give her a chance, she will do well. She is a WINNER! She could play for anybody! Even if she has to sign on as a free agent with some team, she would be a starter soon. I wish her the best, and the same for Gant. They are great!