Gamecocks Go 6th and 7th in WNBA Draft
The 2020 WNBA Draft turned out to be a big one as both South Carolina Gamecocks were taken in the first round with the sixth and seventh pick respectively.
Mikiah Herbert Harrigan shocked the basketball world and was selected sixth by the Minnesota Lynx.
“I wasn’t expecting my name to get called that early, but it did and I’m happy for that,” she said on a conference call with media members. “I’m very excited to play under Coach [Cheryl] Reeve. I’m looking forward to season and being able to go out there and perform.”
Tyasha Harris was selected immediately after her at seventh by the Dallas Wings and will be reunited with former Gamecocks Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray. Harris said she’s excited to already have veterans who can show her the ropes.
“It’s going to be really nice,” Harris said. “I’m excited because we played together for a year. I know them so I can get accustomed and they can teach me the ropes.”
Harris was originally projected to go fifth overall to the Wings, but ultimately still ended up at Dallas. She said she was excited hearing Herbert Harrigan’s name at number six.
“I was really excited for her just because a lot of people didn’t have her projected as high and she shocked the world,” Harris said. “I’m just so, so happy for her and so proud. I love her to death and I’m just happy we were able to go back-to-back like that.”
Herbert Harrigan said she was equally excited to hear her teammate’s name and added that for them to see their dreams come true just minutes apart was special.
“It means a lot,” she said. “I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a little kid, so it means a lot. It was great hearing Ty, her name right after me. It’s something we worked hard for from our freshman year. This has been a dream for us as children growing up, so to be able to accomplish that is a great feeling.”
WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert and the rest of the WNBA tried to give the draftees the full experience, encouraging them to show off their draft day outfits and sending first round picks a welcome kit with all 12 hats so no matter who selected them they would be ready.
Harris’ draft day outfit was featured on the WNBA’s official Instagram page and she said it was actually her backup choice.
“I sent for the outfit a while back but it hasn’t gotten here,” she said. “I think it’s still in California so I had to hurry up last minute and get an outfit. It probably took about two hours so it was kind of a last minute thing but it turned out well.”
She commended the commissioner for making the best of a tough situation.
“Through a difficult time and unprecedented times with being on lockdown due to the coronavirus, I think they made a great effort just to make it a great night,” she said. “Even though it was difficult I think we found peace and happiness throughout it all. They just made it a wonderful night for me and all the other draftees.”