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Fever will pick first in WNBA draft for second straight year

AP file photo by Morry Gash / Iowa star Caitlin Clark could be available when the Indiana Fever pick first in the WNBA draft next April 15. Clark hasn't said whether she will leave college after this season, her fourth with the Hawkeyes, or use an available fifth year of NCAA eligibility.
AP file photo by Morry Gash / Iowa star Caitlin Clark could be available when the Indiana Fever pick first in the WNBA draft next April 15. Clark hasn't said whether she will leave college after this season, her fourth with the Hawkeyes, or use an available fifth year of NCAA eligibility. AP file photo by Morry Gash / Iowa star Caitlin Clark could be available when the Indiana Fever pick first in the WNBA draft next April 15. Clark hasn't said whether she will leave college after this season, her fourth with the Hawkeyes, or use an available fifth year of NCAA eligibility.

By DOUG FEINBERG / The Associated Press 3 min read

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Indiana Fever won the WNBA draft lottery for the No. 1 pick for the second consecutive season Sunday.

The Fever took Aliyah Boston ahead of last season with the top pick, and the former South Carolina star impressed on her way to being honored as the league’s rookie of the year.

“This is tremendous news for our franchise to receive another No.1 overall pick,” Fever general manager Lin Dunn said.

Now the Fever will have to wait to see who decides to enter the draft. Connecticut’s Paige Bueckers, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese all could head back to school for another year thanks to the extra season of eligibility allowed by the NCAA to athletes who were in school early in the coronavirus pandemic.

Clark, a generational talent, has said she would trust her gut when deciding whether to stay in school for a fifth year. Players have a few days after the national championship game and before the draft, which will be held on April 15, to declare.