2021 WNBA Draft Prospect Micaela Kelly
WNBA Draft prospect Micaela Kelly talks to Her Hoop Stats about her time at Central Michigan University as well as the upcoming draft.
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With the 2021 WNBA Draft rapidly approaching, prospects around the country are getting ready to hear their names called and have their lives changed. One of these prospects is senior Micaela Kelly from Central Michigan University. Kelly averaged 23.9 points and 4.9 assists per game during her senior year. Central Michigan finished the season with an 18-9 overall record and lost to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Her Hoop Stats recently had the opportunity to talk to her about her time at Central Michigan as well as her upcoming professional future. Â
Aneela: After four years in college in which you improved every single season, what are you going to miss the most?
Micaela: What I am going to miss the most are my coaches and teammates. They have helped me over the years build confidence in my game.
Aneela: In most WNBA mock drafts, you are projected as a second- or third-round pick. Are you aware that it is harder for second- and third-round picks to make rosters than first-round picks (because there are so few teams and roster spots?) What will you bring to a WNBA training camp that will set you apart from other players?
Micaela: Yes, I am aware. I’m going to bring intensity on defense, I can set up others and also score, and [I will] basically just play my game and hope that does the job.
Aneela: If you go undrafted, what will your plans be moving forward? Would you accept a training camp invite? And are you planning to play overseas as well?
Micaela: I would most definitely accept a training camp invitation to get the opportunity [to compete]. Playing overseas would be next, so continuing basketball anywhere I can would be great!
Aneela: Which country would you be most interested in playing in?
Micaela: I’m not sure, but I know I’ll be more comfortable playing for a major division so that I can play with the top players.
Aneela: You played really well against Power 5 schools in your senior season (shooting better than 50% from the floor in games against Michigan and Iowa). Do you think playing against some Power 5 schools has helped prepare you for the WNBA?
Micaela: Yes, I believe playing against teams that are bigger gives me a taste of the physical and toughness aspect of what’s next. I believe those games have helped my game develop and grow.
Aneela: What part of your game do you feel that WNBA general managers are going to be surprised by?
Micaela: I believe my IQ. I am confident in my passing and I feel [that] I can pass really well and see the floor. That helps me make the right reads.
Aneela: Any fun facts we should know about you as a person? Do you have a secret talent?
Micaela: Yes, I am funny/goofy and I can cook.
Follow-up question: What are some of your best dishes?
Micaela: Ribs are my favorite to make and I believe I’ve mastered making lamb chops now.
Aneela: What would you say to WNBA general managers to convince them to draft you?
Micaela: Just know that whatever role or area you need me to play, I’ll do it at 110%. I’ll come to compete and play my very best and leave it all out there.
The 2021 WNBA Draft will take place on Thursday, April 15, at 7 pm EST on ESPN. Tune in to see which prospects, including Micaela Kelly of Central Michigan, get drafted. Don’t forget to enter our mock draft competition!
Thanks for reading the Her Hoop Stats Newsletter. If you like our work, be sure to check out our stats site, our podcast, and our social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.