Jewell Loyd taken first in WNBA draft by Seattle

Jewell Loyd is the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft. Loyd, who was chosen by the Seattle Storm on Thursday night at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, decided to skip her final season at Notre Dame and enter this year’s draft. She’s the first Irish player to be taken with the top pick. Fellow underclassmen Amanda Zahui B. was taken by Tulsa with the second pick. Minnesota’s red-shirt sophomore and Loyd (right in photo) were eligible to be drafted because they turn 22 during this calendar year. “For me, it was the best thing,” Loyd said about skipping her senior year. “For (Zahui), it was the best thing for her.” Seattle also took UConn forward Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis with the third pick. Training camps open May 17, and the WNBA’s 19th season tips off on June 5. – AP