On Monday, organizations of the WNBA drafted the next generation of superstars during the 2022 WNBA Draft. Participants got to hear names announced and found out where they would start the next chapter in their career. One organization that didn’t choose anyone from the incoming class was the Chicago Sky.
Chicago traded away their 2022 selection to Indiana in a 3-team transaction that delivered Diamond DeShields to Phoenix and Julie Allemand and Phoenix’s first-round 2023 selection to Chicago.
Chicago will open up its training camp with returning core members and some addictions.
Their roster stands at 21, according to the team’s press release two days ago. And because of overseas responsibilities, players like Kahleah Copper, Allemand, Rebekah Gardner and Kaela Davis report to camp late. One thing to note is that coach Wade has until May 5 to finalize the roster at its maximum number of 12 players. So coach Wade has to cut nine players by then.
Chicago will seek to address some needs from their camp invites, a backup point guard and small forward. With Allemand not joining until early June, Chicago has to locate a player to fill that gap until she returns to the team.
Kysre Gondrezick
Kysre Gondrezick, who was released by Indiana and signed to a training camp contract by Chicago, could be the guard that the Sky is searching for. Gondrezick, who stepped aside from the fever during her rookie season, has proved that she can be a floor general and scorer when granted the chance.
During her career at West Virginia, Gondrezick averaged 16.3 points with 3.5 assists.
Rebekah Gardner
After the departure of DeShields, Chicago’s backup starting forward position has been left open. After her years at UCLA, Gardner, who has spent all of her professional career overseas, could come over and make an immediate impact. Garner, who finished her first EuroLeague season with Uni Girona in Spain, averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds. Her impressive statistics don’t end there; she’s averaging 15.6 points and 5.5 rebounds while playing for Spain’s Division 1 league and was declared Spanish League MVP.
Imani McGee-Stafford
After stepping aside to pursue a law degree from Southwestern Law School, Imani McGee-Stafford returns to the WNBA. McGee-Stafford, who was chosen by Chicago in 2016, will seek to secure a spot on the Sky’s roster. Standing at 6 ‘7, Imani will contribute something Chicago needs: size and rebounding. Under Pokey Chatman, Imani had one of her finest years in the WNBA, where she shot over 50% from the floor and averaged 6.5 points in just 18 minutes per game. She also played in the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited basketball. Imani finished with 3251 total points, ranked 21 and FGA 74.
Chicago’s training camp will be a battle between newcomers, old comers and players hoping to get a chance in the WNBA. With the season right around the corner, the fans of the Chicago Sky can’t wait to learn who makes it. And will play in Sky blue in Wintrust Arena this summer.
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