On a night where Caitlin Clark dominated the headlines, the Dallas Wings picked their own guard they hope will make a big impact in 2024.
The Wings drafted Ohio State guard Jacy Sheldon with the No. 5 overall selection. Sheldon averaged 17.8 points per game in her fifth and final year in Columbus. She also dished off 3.8 assists per contest, while earning Associated Press All-American Second Team honors.
Sheldon is expected to contribute as a defender on the wing for Wings head coach Latricia Trammell.
Sheldon ultimately decided to stay at Ohio State for one more year after considering entering the 2023 draft.
"It's special," Sheldon told the media after being selected by the Wings. "Taking that fifth year was something I thought hard and long about, and I'm glad I did. A lot of good things came from it."
Ohio State captured a 2023-24 regular season Big Ten title. The Buckeyes upset eventual national runner-up Iowa (and Caitlin Clark) 100-92 in overtime on January 21. Sheldon had 24 points and 7 rebounds in the win.
But now, it's on to pro ball, something Sheldon has dreamed about.
"It's a surreal moment because I grew up as a little kid watching all these women play and how talented they are and being able to have a chance to play with them and compete against them...it's a dream," Sheldon beamed.
After their most successful season in North Texas, and a first round postseason win, the Wings chose to continue to build their team through the draft. Sheldon's looking forward to playing the Wings core players like Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard.
"They're a really talented group," Sheldon said. "And I know they're gonna push me from day one when I get there, so I'm excited for that."
The Wings also acquired 20-year-old guard Carla Leite from France with the ninth overall pick, and Ashley Owusu, a guard from Penn State, with the 33rd overall selection.
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