Whom should the New York Liberty select in the 2024 WNBA Draft?
Last season the Liberty came up agonizingly short against the Aces and their three-headed monster backcourt. Who might New York add to theirs in the next WNBA draft?
The New York Liberty made history last year, winning their first-ever trophy after capturing the Commissioner’s Cup and reaching their first WNBA Finals in 20 years. It was a season of dreams coming true, thanks to a historic offseason that saw general manager Jonathan Kolb named Executive of the Year. Now, as college basketball gains steam in conference play and the W’s draft order is set, let’s preview what to expect out of the Liberty this offseason, including a dive into the world of women’s college basketball prospects and whom the Liberty might select with their pick at #11.
Kolb told media in October that Breanna Stewart will be cored, which basically revokes her status as an unrestricted free agent. With Stewart returning and Kolb intending to keep Jonquel Jones, the Liberty’s attention turns to the backcourt, where especially with Marine Johannés’ commitments to the French national team ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot could use help. With Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink and Paige Bueckers all likely going early in the draft, let’s turn to our first prospect that could help out Coach Brondello’s backcourt: Ohio State’s Jacy Sheldon.
Before I reveal the main reason why I have her as a possible Liberty pick, let’s discuss some of the qualities that make her a top-15 prospect to begin with. She’s improved every season, going from 9.6 points per game as a freshman to 16.7 her sophomore year and 19.7 her junior year. After suffering a lower leg injury her senior year, this season she’s showing off on the defensive end, too, racking up better than two steals a game to go with 19 points per and a career-high 43% from 3-point land.
Sheldon was on the Big 10’s All-Defensive Team in 2022 and is on track to receive the honor again. One site even called her Buckeyes “the most exhilarating and annoying team in the country” after their 96-77 comeback win over Louisville. Defensive prowess is something the Liberty desperately need, and I think her even-keel style of play will match nicely with Stewart and Betnijah Laney’s calm presences. Even in the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2022, Sheldon was clutch, coming up with 23 points in OSU’s win over LSU.
The Big Apple may seem like worlds away for Sheldon, but she would complement the Liberty roster nicely because of her work ethic. This team has big hopes for 2024, and she would only add to locker room culture. When asked for her highlight of the 2023 season, she said, “Just to be able to be together and travel together.” The Liberty need a guard who can score, especially Johannés is going to be in her home country.
“If I have the possibility to come I will try to come,” Johannés told media at the end of the Liberty season. “I talked with my national team president and told him I will be there the first day of training camp,” in early June. With Johannés facing national team commitments, drafting a scorer like Sheldon who can create for herself while acclimating to the Liberty’s existing scheme is the smart route. After all, this Liberty team had their Icarus moment in the WNBA finals, dropping Game 4 at home to the Aces.
What the Liberty need to add to this existing core is someone who is a team player who can help on the defensive end. New York finished last season second in points, field goal percentage, free throw percentage and rebounds and third in blocks. Where they could use help defensively, though, is with the smaller players. With so much talent spread across the league, Sheldon could add to where they’re lacking.
Another possible selection is UCLA’s Charisma Osborne, a senior who is currently averaging 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals on a team that’s picked up wins against Connecticut, Arkansas and Florida State. As a freshman, Osborne said that defense was the team’s “anchor” and that she’s someone who could put defense first in order to let her offense follow. Remind you of anyone?
Besides Osborne and Sheldon, I’d push the Liberty to consider Colorado’s Jaylyn Sherrod, who as a fifth-year starter is averaging 13 points, six assists and two steals a game.
If Osborne and Sherrod haven’t already been snatched when it’s time for the Liberty to make the 11th pick, either player would be a sure-fire solid addition to an already battle-tested team. This draft is full of talent and the W remains a league with more deserving talent than there is opportunity. There are many routes Kolb and the Liberty front office can take to make their dream of hoisting another trophy come true.
