Crystal Pouncey
Apr 16, 2024 - 07:10

Kate Martin WNBA draft support Caitlin Clark Las Vegas second round pick

Kate Martin came to the WNBA draft to support her Iowa teammate Caitlin Clark and ended up getting drafted by Las Vegas.

Kate Martin made her way to the WNBA draft with the intention of supporting her Iowa teammate Caitlin Clark, but to her surprise, she ended up being drafted by the Las Vegas Aces. The defending champions selected Martin as the 18th overall pick, a moment that left her feeling a mix of emotions. In an interview with ESPN, Martin expressed her happiness and excitement about the opportunity she was given.

Seated among 1,000 fans at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Martin was surrounded by her former Iowa teammates, Gabbie Marshall and Jada Gyamfi. As her name was called, she shared a heartfelt hug with Hawkeyes assistant coach Jan Jensen. Martin, who played a key role in helping Iowa reach the NCAA title game for the second consecutive season, reflected on her career accomplishments, including scoring 1,299 points, grabbing 756 rebounds, and dishing out 473 assists.

The draft also saw Caitlin Clark being selected as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever, marking a historic moment for Iowa as two of its players were chosen in the same draft for the first time in over two decades. The WNBA training camp is set to kick off on April 28, with the season officially commencing on May 14.

Despite not having any first-round picks, the Las Vegas Aces made significant moves in the second round by selecting Dyaisha Fair from Syracuse and Elizabeth Kitley from Virginia Tech. Fair, who ranked as the third-leading scorer in NCAA Division I history, brings a scoring prowess to the team, while Kitley, who is currently recovering from a torn ACL, adds depth to the Aces' roster.

The Aces' draft picks, including Kate Martin, are poised to make an impact in the upcoming WNBA season, as they look to defend their title and compete at the highest level. The team's strategic selections reflect their commitment to building a competitive and talented roster for the challenges that lie ahead.