The Mystics entered Thursday night’s draft with no glaring need, but they did want to get a little more athletic at the wing position. And that’s what they did.
With the seventh overall pick, the team selected Kahleah Copper, a 6’1 forward out of Rutgers University. Copper has shown the ability to defend the two, three, and four spots in college and now gives the Mystics athleticism and some more versatility out on the perimeter.
“She’s 6’1, long armed, can defend, she’s terrific in transition, and given the way we play defense and the way we like to get out and run more, I think she’ll really help us there,” said Mystics general manager and head coach Mike Thibault.
Copper, a Philadelphia native, was thrilled to find out she would be playing her home games just 140 miles south of where she grew up.
“I was so nervous the entire night, just to hear my name called to the Washington Mystics, it was an exciting feeling and a sense of relief. And to join Washington, that’s a super bonus, my family can catch a couple of games, that’s a plus, I’m really excited about that.”
Copper spent four seasons at Rutgers and while she may have been drafted for her defensive ability, she finished as Rutgers’ third all-time scorer, averaging 17.7 points per game in her senior year, while recording double-doubles in 30 of her final 34 games.
Over his three years in DC, Thibault has implemented a fast-paced style of offense, designed to get baskets in transition and get open 3-point looks, which was music to Copper’s ears.
“I love the fast pace game, I love to run the floor and get to the lane for easy buckets, so I’m excited to get acclimated with coach Thibault’s system.”
However, like with most rookies, Copper will have to adjust to the much quicker pace of the WNBA, which sometimes takes a while to get used to.
“I have to get stronger and be able to endure that physicality off the game. And I need to continue to shoot the three and be more consistent with it.”
The good part for the Mystics is that because of their depth, they likely won’t rely on Copper to be a major piece right away, but they can work her in slowly and let her develop at her own rate. She could make an immediate impact and be a rotation player out of camp, but the team will have the luxury to let her work behind some of the veterans and learn what it takes to be a player in the WNBA.
Thibault on Copper
“Kahleah is one of the most improved and under-appreciated players in the country. She has improved each year at Rutgers. Her length and quickness have helped her become a very good defender. She has always been good in transition and has been a very good rebounder. This past season, she added the three point shot to her game and shot a very good overall percentage from both inside and outside the three point line.”
Click here to watch Thibault’s interview from the draft on Copper.
Mystics Take Galdeira and Grant in Rounds Two and Three
With the 19th overall pick, the Mystics selected Lia Galdeira, a 5’11 guard who played collegiately at Washington State University. She played this past season with Haskovo 2012 of the Bulgarian League, where she averaged 23.9 points per game.
Galdeira is a scorer who can get buckets in a hurry, but also possesses the ability to pass the ball as Thibault raved about her court vision. While she’s known to be an excellent offensive player, she’ll have to show that she can defend at the WNBA level in order to make the team and get minutes. But, coach Thibault sounded excited about adding her to the roster and thinks she will be exciting to watch when camp opens up on April 25th.
With the 31st pick, the Mystics selected Danaejah Grant from St. Johns University. A 5’9 guard who coach Thibault feels will enter camp and challenge the veterans for a spot on the team.
“I saw over the last two years that she consistently gotten better. She’s become the vocal leader, the go to player, she took big shots in tough situations, and took on the tough defensive assignments. At that point in the draft, we wanted someone that would come in and we know will compete for a spot on this team.”
When camp begins on April 25th, the Mystics will have three eager rookies ready to compete for playing time.