This is the third draft in WNBA history that South Carolina Women’s Basketball has had three or more selections
The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program has achieved a remarkable milestone by having three or more players selected in the WNBA Draft on three occasions: 2017, 2023, and 2024. This accomplishment underscores the program’s consistent excellence and its significant impact on women’s professional basketball.
2017: A Historic First Round
In the 2017 WNBA Draft, three Gamecocks were chosen in the first round, marking a historic moment for the program. Alaina Coates was selected second overall by the Chicago Sky, becoming the highest pick in South Carolina’s history at that time. Allisha Gray and Kaela Davis were chosen fourth and tenth overall, respectively, by the Dallas Wings. This trio of selections highlighted the program’s growing prominence on the national stage. University of South Carolina Athletics+6University of South Carolina Athletics+6University of South Carolina Athletics+6talkSPORT+3University of South Carolina Athletics+3University of South Carolina Athletics+3
2023: A Record-Breaking Draft
The 2023 WNBA Draft was a landmark event for South Carolina, as five players were selected, setting a new program record. Aliyah Boston was chosen first overall by the Indiana Fever, becoming the second Gamecock to be the top pick, following A’ja Wilson in 2018. Laeticia Amihere and Zia Cooke were selected eighth and tenth overall by the Atlanta Dream and Los Angeles Sparks, respectively. Brea Beal and Victaria Saxton were picked 24th and 25th overall by the Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever. This draft placed South Carolina among an elite group of programs that have had at least five players selected in a single draft. University of South Carolina Athletics+5The Daily Gamecock+5University of South Carolina Athletics+5University of South Carolina Athletics+2University of South Carolina Athletics+2ClutchPoints+2
2024: Continued Excellence
In 2024, Kamilla Cardoso was selected third overall by the Chicago Sky, continuing the program’s tradition of producing top-tier talent. Cardoso’s selection marked the 19th Gamecock to be drafted and the 15th during head coach Dawn Staley’s tenure. Her achievements, including being named the WBCA Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American, reflect the high level of talent emerging from South Carolina. University of South Carolina Athletics+2University of South Carolina Athletics+2University of South Carolina Athletics+2
Program Impact and Legacy
These draft selections are a testament to the South Carolina Gamecocks’ commitment to excellence and their significant contribution to the WNBA. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, the program has developed players who excel both on and off the court, influencing the landscape of women’s professional basketball. The consistent production of WNBA-caliber talent underscores the program’s status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.University of South Carolina Athletics
South Carolina’s achievement of having three or more players selected in the WNBA Draft on three separate occasions highlights the program’s sustained excellence and its pivotal role in shaping the future of women’s professional basketball.
