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Sports

WNBA Draft is full of mystery

By ARIE GRAHAM
The Daily Cougar

Who will be the first player selected in the 2007 WNBA draft? Unlike past seasons, there doesn't appear to be a consensus choice among fans.

The answer will be revealed when the draft begins at noon Wednesday on ESPN. 

The Phoenix Mercury have the No. 1 pick, which gives them a great deal of control over how the rest of the draft will play out. Phoenix hasn't publicly made it known which player it will select, and there are numerous options. Let's explore possible scenarios.

The Mercury already have a competent backcourt with the record-setting duo of Cappie Pondexter and Diana Taurasi. Therefore, it would be logical for the team to select either a power forward or a center.

And yet, there are so many talented prospects in this year's draft class; picking just one won't be easy. 

Would Phoenix really want to pass up an extremely talented guard like Duke's Lindsay Harding? If the team decides to go after a center, how would they choose between Duke's Alison Bales and Ohio State's Jessica Davenport? 

Seriously, there has never been such indecisiveness among teams when it comes to the No. 1 pick.

However, the situation isn't as mystifying for to the local team. The Comets have the eighth pick in the draft, and it's no secret that they are in need of a point guard that can efficiently run the offense.

Houston has never had a true point guard outside of the great Dawn Staley, who retired following the 2006 season. 

New head coach/general manager Karleen Thompson should be able to find a competent replacement to fill Staley's shoes. 

Mississippi's Armintie Price would be a good fit and might still be available when the Comets pick at No. 8.

This time of year is the best for women's basketball fans. It's right after the national championship game, and draft eligible players are getting ready for the next level of play.

Sit back and watch. It should be an interesting draft.

Send comments to dcsports@mail.uh.edu