WNBA Draft 2018: Time, channel and which Ohio State players could be picked

The 2018 WNBA Draft will get underway on Thursday, April 12, with the first round starting at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2), followed by the second and third rounds at 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU). In their inaugural season, the Las Vegas Aces won the draft lottery for the first overall pick, followed by the Indiana Fever (No. 2) and the Chicago Sky (Nos. 3 and 4).

Ohio State finished a few rounds shy of their quest for a “home-court” Final Four trip, but the team did finish the 2017-18 as the Big Ten Tournament Champions and with a long list of records and honors among the group of talented women. Now, with the NCAA Tournament in the rearview, a couple of Buckeyes are finally making their way to play in the pros.

Expected to be one of the first players taken, although not expected to be the overall No. 1 pick, Kelsey Mitchell is among the elite prospects in this year’s draft class.

Mitchell could have made the move to the WNBA last season, but decided to return to play for the Buckeyes for her senior campaign. She didn’t reach her ultimate goal of an NCAA Championship, but did set an astounding 29 school, Big Ten, and national records (men’s and women’s) with her extra season in Columbus. (The full list of records she holds is absolutely incredible, and is definitely worth a glance.)

Mitchell isn’t the only Buckeye to get some first-round consideration with teammate Stephanie Mavunga drawing interest from team’s as well. The 6-foot-3 forward was a First Team All-Big Ten player for her performance during the 2017-18 season, which included averaging a double-double for the second straight year, with 16.6 points and 11.0 rebounds. She also was named a semifinalist for the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year award.

Another Ohio State player who could hear her name called on Thursday (granted not likely during the first round) is 5-foot-7 guard Asia Doss. The Buckeye set several new career-bests during her senior season in Columbus, including 5-of-10 3-pointers made against Louisville, eight assists in the game against FGCU, and seven steals against Nebraska. Doss was a starter in all but five of the games played last season, and notched the third-most minutes played on the team.

While Mitchell being a first-round pick is a virtual lock, Mavunga sneaking into Round 1 would be a cool moment for the Buckeye and Ohio State women’s basketball as a whole. All three of the Buckeye prospects have the talent to go on and succeed at the next level, so everyone at LGHL wishes them luck.

How to Watch the 2018 WNBA Draft

Date: Thursday, April 12

Location: Nike Headquarters, New York City

Time: 7 p.m. ET (Round 1) | 8 p.m. ET (Rounds 2 and 3)

What channel is the WNBA Draft on?

TV: First round on ESPN2, second and third rounds on ESPNU

Online: ESPN App