WNBA draft lacking franchise player

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

Those wanting to select 6-foot-8 sensation Brittney Griner will have to wait until next year.

But the teams with the top picks 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 led the Cardinal to consecutive Final Fours, losing to eventual champion Baylor this season.

After Ogwumike, Miami’s Shenise Johnson, Tennessee’s Glory Johnson and Shekinna Stricklen, Notre Dame’s Devereaux Peters and Natalie Novosel, and Miami’s Riquana Williams are among the top players available.

Gonzaga senior Kayla Standish is among the 15 prospects invited to attend the draft. She has been projected as a late first-round or early second-round selection.