Stanford's Ogwumike expected No. 1 in WNBA Draft

By Vin A. Cherwoo

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, April 15 2012 10:40 a.m. MDT

FILE - In this March 31, 2012 file photo, Stanford's Nnemkadi Ogwumike reaches for the ball during practice at the NCAA Women's Final Four college basketball tournament in Denver. The Sparks, who have three of the first four picks in the second round of the WNBA draft, on Monday, April 16, 2012, are expected to select Ogwumike at No. 1 overall.

Eric Gay, File, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

There isn't a likely franchise player in WNBA draft, such as Candace Parker, Angel McCoughtry, Tina Charles and Maya Moore — the No. 1 picks the last four years.

But the teams with the top selections Monday don't really need a marquee player to build around. They're just looking for someone who can help the team and develop into a star down the road.

The Los Angeles Sparks are expected to select Stanford's Nnemkadi Ogwumike at No. 1 overall. She would join a crowded frontcourt that includes Parker, veterans DeLisha Milton-Jones and Ebony Hoffman, second-year center Jantel Lavender and fifth-year center Nicky Anosike.

Ogwumike led Stanford to the Final Four before losing to eventual champion Baylor.

The Sparks also have three of the first four picks in the second round.

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