With the upcoming WNBA season commencing on May 14th, teams are eager to secure promising talents during the draft. Adding to the anticipation, spectators will be present for this significant occasion, a departure from the 2014-16 drafts held at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Many prognosticators have earmarked Iowa’s Caitlin Clark as the likely top pick. Alongside her, 14 other prospects, including Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and Aaliyah Edwards, have received invitations for the draft.

However, enthusiasts are curious about Clark’s teammate, who boasts a remarkable 166-game tenure representing the Hawkeyes. Gabbie Marshall holds the record for the most games played among all Big Ten women’s basketball players. Surprisingly, she is absent from the list of invitees or the WNBA draft radar. Marshall’s primary focus remains on her academics, as she never officially declared for the draft. Aware that her collegiate career was drawing to a close, she opted to channel her energy solely into supporting her teammates.
“My mentality this year is to focus on my teammates. Just making the most of every opportunity that I get, all the memories that we’re making. I think it’s really bittersweet,” she spoke to the media. “I think in my other years I’ve just focused on improving in basketball, which I’m still doing but at the same time, I know I’m nearing the end of my basketball career forever. I’m just trying to soak in all the memories off and on the court.”
Gabbie Marshall and the Hawkeyes experienced consecutive defeats in two finals, yet their impact resonates globally, elevating the NCAA to new heights.

Anticipation for the WNBA Draft

While Marshall won’t be participating, her teammate Clark is positioned as the frontrunner for the #1 draft selection. The Indiana Fever, for the second year running, hold the coveted first pick, aiming for another WNBA Rookie of the Year success akin to last year’s selection, Aliyah Boston, a former South Carolina standout.

The excitement surrounding women’s basketball is just beginning, evidenced by record-breaking viewership leading up to the NCAA final. A staggering 18.7 million viewers tuned in to witness the clash between the Gamecocks and Hawkeyes. Despite limited ticket availability, all tickets were swiftly snapped up within fifteen minutes of release, with approximately 1000 tickets made available for purchase. Even WNBA franchises are opting for alternate venues to accommodate the burgeoning fanbase.

While Gabbie Marshall may be redirecting her focus to her academic pursuits, the women’s basketball realm is primed for thrilling action that promises not to be missed.