15-05-2025
Chicago Sky Draft Pick Dealt Bad News Before WNBA Season
The Chicago Sky made a unique choice in the 2019 WNBA Draft. They selected Spanish forward María Conde in the third round, who spent two seasons playing at Florida State in college.
Conde never made her way to the United States, however, so it was essentially a wasted pick by the Sky. She chose instead to play professionally in Europe, joining teams in Spain, Poland and the Czech Republic.
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It is rare for a late-round pick to gain any traction in the WNBA anyway, but especially for a player with so little experience. However, there were two players drafted after her that have carved out multi-year careers in the WNBA.
Former Chicago Sky draft pick María Conde (22).Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
When it came time for the Golden State Valkyries to pick players during the 2024 expansion draft, Chicago still had the rights to Conde. New head coach Natalie Nakase selected Conde in hopes that she would make the trek to the Bay Area.
The Valkyries waived several players on Wednesday and announced their final roster. Unfortunately, Cande did not make the team, which means she will likely head back to the Czech Republic and play for ZVVZ USK Praha.
Chicago, on the other hand, has hit on several draft picks in recent years under general manager Jeff Pagliocca. Last year's rookie duo of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso looks to be one of the best in the league already.
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The Sky also grabbed Hailey Van Lith and Maddy Westbeld this year, both of whom made the final roster. If Slovenian star Ajša Sivka can join the fold next year, it will be a completely new era for the Sky full of homegrown talent.
Related: Hailey Van Lith Turns Heads After Chicago Sky Practice Video Surfaces
Related: Angel Reese Gifts Every Sky Teammate Before Caitlin Clark Game
