WNBA mock draft 2022, version 4.0

At least some of the mysteries of the 2022 WNBA draft will answered after March 28. That’s the deadline for all draft-eligible players to declare for the April 11 event in New York City, unless they are still playing in the NCAA tournament. In that case, they must declare within 48 hours after their last game.

ESPN’s projected top three picks are already out of March Madness, a particular surprise for the No. 1 selection. NaLyssa Smith and the Baylor Bears were a No. 2 seed expected to compete for the national title, but they were upset in the second round. And both Rhyne Howard of the Kentucky Wildcats and Shakira Austin of the Ole Miss Rebels were ousted in the first round.

Because of the NCAA’s blanket eligibility waiver in 2020-21, current seniors can return for a fifth year of college. We have included seniors in this mock draft unless they have already announced they are returning for a “super senior” year. We also have included one eligible junior who has officially declared for the draft and one who has not announced a decision.

The Washington Mystics have the first pick, but from all indications, they have not finalized their selection. What the Mystics do with the top pick will set up dominoes for what the Indiana Fever — who now have four first-round picks — do in the draft.

How did potential prospects impact their draft status in the 2022 NCAA tournament? Here is our updated look at how the first round might shape up.

First round

Baylor | forward | 6-foot-4 | senior

It’s hard to recall a top player’s college career taking such an extreme turn so late in her senior season. Baylor…