FIRST SPORTS AFRICA

From Africa To The World

2020 WNBA Draft

The 2020 WNBA draft was held on April 17th virtually with no players, guests or media on-site due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  As expected, Oregon guard Sabrina Ionescu was the top pick in the draft, selected by the New York Liberty. Ionescu’s teammate, Satou Sabally was one of two Africans drafted on Friday.  The Junior forward from Germany of Gambian heritage was selected number two overall by the Dallas Wings. Sabally finished up her collegiate career averaging 16.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the number two ranked Oregon Ducks. 

The other African selected in the draft will become the third member of her family to play in the WNBA. Rice University guard Erica Ogwumike was selected by the Minnesota Lynx(via a trade with the New York Liberty) in the third round. Ogwumike is the younger sister of Los Angeles Sparks forwards Nneka Ogwumike and Chiney Ogwumike. Following in the big footsteps left by not one but two older sisters is a massive task but one which the young Ogwumike might just be equipped for. 

The WNBA season was scheduled to begin on May 15th but is currently postponed with the start of the season to be determined.

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