Rhyne Howard selected first overall by Atlanta Dream in 2022 WNBA Draft

NEW YORK (AP) — Rhyne Howard is headed to the Atlanta Dream as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft.

The Kentucky senior was selected first Monday night at the first in-person draft for the league since 2019 because of the coronavirus. The Dream traded up two spots last week to acquire the No. 1 pick from the Washington Mystics.

Atlanta finished 8-24 last season and has missed the playoffs four of the past five years. The franchise got new ownership last year and brought in a new coach in Tanisha Wright and new general manager Dan Padover. The Dream also had the No. 1 pick in 2009 and used it to draft Angel McCoughtry.

The WNBA season tips off on May 6, with training camps opening later this week.

This is the second time in franchise history that Atlanta will pick first overall and are hoping Howard’s ability to score on all three levels, athleticism and size will make her an impact player at both ends of the court.