The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) reported late Sunday night that every eligible player must renounce her remaining intercollegiate eligibility and opt in for the 2021 WNBA Draft if she wishes to enter the league this year.
According to the WNBA, the draft is set to occur at some point in April. Per Jack Maloney of CBS Sports, there's still no announced date for the player selection process.
Typically, players out of college eligibility are automatically entered in the draft. However, the NCAA granted athletes an extra year of eligibility because of hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The AP added that rules for a player entering but then removing herself from draft eligibility this year remain unclear.
Players must opt in by emailing the WNBA no later than April 1. Those competing in the Final Four have up to 48 hours after their final games to inform the league of their draft decisions.
On Sunday afternoon, top prospect and Texas Longhorns junior Charli Collier announced she was entering this year's WNBA Draft.
Thank you, Texas. pic.twitter.com/puH4wQp4xG
— Charli Collier™ (@CharliC_14) March 7, 2021
In a mock draft updated on Feb. 21, ESPN's Mechelle Voepel projected the Dallas Wings will select Collier first overall.
Via Texas' official website, Collier is averaging 20.9 points and 12.2 rebounds per contest.
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