Looking Ahead at WNBA’s 20th Year: new president Lisa Borders, Diana Taurasi returns, and it’s the last season for 10-time WNBA all-star Tamika Catchings

Last week was a historic week for the world of sports. The Golden State Warriors set the best record in NBA history, Kobe Bryant dropped 60 points in his final career game and the 20th WNBA Draft took place at the Mohegan Sun Arena for the third consecutive year. Thirty-six of the nation’s best women collegiate athletes were selected into the WNBA on Thursday night. For the first time in the history of the WNBA Draft, the top three selections all came from the same school. The Huskies from the University of Connecticut took the top three spots and dominated the first round of the draft just like they dominated the NCCA Championship earlier this year.

As expected, Breanna Stewart was selected first overall by the Seattle Storm, this is the second year that the Storm has had the number one pick. Expectations are set high for the 6’4 forward, she is a 4-time NCAA champion, 3-time player of the year and she is the only player to be named the NCAA Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player four years in a row. The Storm has not won a championship since 2010, hopefully, Stewart can keep her championship streak going at the professional level. The No.2 pick went to the San Antonio Stars, who selected Texas native, Moriah Jefferson. The Huskie also has 4 championship titles under her belt and was named the American Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Jefferson set a school record with a total of 659 career assist not to mention she is a 46% 3-point-shooter. Her versatility on the court is just what the Stars need this season.

It was a big night for the Connecticut Sun, who went home with two consecutive first round picks. Coming in at No.3 was Morgan Tuck from UConn. Aside from becoming a champion for the fourth time in her career, Tuck finished her final year with an assist-turnover ratio of 2.1/1, which was the second-best in the league. The No.4 selection, also for the Connecticut Sun, was Rachel Banham from the University of Minnesota. She is most remembered for her 60-point game earlier in the season, a performance that was recognized and duplicated by NBA star Kobe Bryant. Banham was named the 2016 BIG 10 player of the year and has set the all-time scoring record with 3,093 career points. The Dallas Wings, formerly known as the Tulsa Shock had the No.5 pick and they selected Aerial Powers from Michigan State. Powers is a 3-time first team All-American and set a school record with 47 career double-doubles.

The Los Angeles Sparks selected Jonquel Jones of George Washington as the No.6 overall draft pick, Jones is the only player to average a double-double for 3 consecutive seasons. At No.7, the Washington Mystics selected Kahleah Cooper of Rutgers University. Cooper sits at No.3 on Rutgers all-time scoring list behind, Cappie Pondexter and Sue Wicks. Courtney Williams of the University of Southern Florida was selected 8th overall by the Phoneix Mercury. The Indiana Fever selected Tiffany Mitchell as the 9th overall pick. Mitchell played for the University of Southern California and led her team with 85 assists this season. The 10th overall selection went to the Chicago Sky who picked Imani Boyette. Boyette played for Texas State and was named the BIG 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Boyette is the daughter of WNBA legend Pamela McGee, they are the first mother-daughter duo to have played for the league. The Atlanta Dream selected Bria Holmes of West Virginia 11th overall. The New York Liberty wrapped up the first round selecting Adut Bulgak 12th overall. Bulgak is a 6’4 center out of Florida State and was an Honorable Mention All-American in 2015.

Fans have a lot to look forward to this season as Diana Taurasi will make her return to the Phoenix Mercury, newly acquired WNBA president Lisa Borders will participate in her first active season and most importantly this will be the last season for 10-time WNBA all-star Tamika Catchings. The WNBA’s historic 20th anniversary season will kick off on May 14th.

SEE VIDEO: 2015 WNBA All-Star Game Report

The WNBA Western Conference won the 2015 WNBA All-Star game held on July 25th at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, defeating the Eastern Conference 117-112.

Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore was the game’s MVP scoring a record 30 points for a WNBA All-Star game. Additionally, Moore posted six rebounds and five assists.

New York Liberty center Tina Charles led all scorers with 13 points in the first half.

This is the last WNBA All-Star appearance for Tamika Catchings, who holds a record 10 WNBA All-Star Game appearances; she is retiring in 2016.

For more detail about the game see The 2015 WNBA All-Star Game: New Records and End of an Era.

Tamika Catchings and Maya Moore hold new WNBA All-Star Game records

Every big annual event has its storylines and the 2015 WNBA All-Star Game was no different. The 2015 WNBA All-Star game became the first WNBA All-Star Game to be televised on ABC, instead of a 2nd or 3rd tier channel on ESPN.

Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Moore tallied up 30 points, a WNBA All-Star Game record. Moore added six rebounds and five assists.

Indiana Fever forward and 2011 WNBA MVP Tamika Catchings now holds the record of 10 WNBA All-Star Game appearances. Catchings won’t be building on this record because this will be her last WNBA All-Star game. Catchings is retiring in 2016, and because of the 2016 Summer Olympics, there will be no 2016 WNBA All-Star Game.

"It's definitely sentimental," Catchings said, according to ESPN.com's Mechelle Voepel. "This is my last All-Star. My playing career will be over next year, but hopefully the legacy I leave behind will keep going."

Right now, Catchings’ legacy holds another WNBA All-Star game record. Catchings, finishing with eight points, 10 rebounds and six assists, is the all-time WNBA All-Star Game leading scorer with104 points! Historic! 

Our hometown player, New York Liberty center Tina Charles, did her best to represent the East. Charles showed off her brilliance early, leading all scorers with 13 points in the first half.

New york Liberty center Tina Charles stretching before playing in the 2015 WNBA All-Star Game. Photo Credit: Jessica Hill/AP

At game’s end, the WNBA Western conference defeated the East 117-112. And, Minnesota’s Maya Moore showed that she is not only an all-star but, an MVP, too.